Frederick J. Leonard

Frederick J. Leonard passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2012 surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Punta Gorda, Florida. Fred was born on July 2, 1917 in Detroit, Michigan to Mary LaBelle Leonard and Frederick Leonard. His siblings include Fredricka, Mary Delphine and Dorthy. Fred was introduced to the love of his life, Mildred in 1938. They fell in love started the roots to what would become their large family. They lived in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak until the early 1970's when they relocated their family to Florida. Fred always had a passion for sales. In Florida he continued that passion and approached his job as a craft. His friends and family agreed he had quite the sales career. He loved to share stories and memories of his many creative businesses adventures which led him to Punta Gorda Isles as the Director of International Sales for South America, Canada and the United States. He loved his work and retired at the age of 82. Given time to play he chose to practice his poker face with family and friends. He was an avid "health nut" and forced his kitchen blender-drink concoctions onto his family claiming long life and vitality. Fred was the fun grandpa who enjoyed rollerblading with his grandchildren and made each of them feel special. He will be missed by his wife of 70 years, Mildred Leonard; his children, Richard Leonard, Gayle Hurd, Jeffrey Leonard and Susan Napolitano. He was grandpa to Bryan Leonard, Steven Leonard, Jessica Hurd, Andrew Danciu, Corrie Danciu, Alex Leonard and Allison Leonard. Fred's loving family life also included great-grandchildren; Brandon Leonard, Steven Leonard, Abby Leonard and one more on the way. Private services for immediate family will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda, Florida. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution be made in Fred's name to Tidewell Hospice, Inc., 1144 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 or Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.