Richard G Leonard Sr.

Born in Taunton, a son of the late Thomas and Bertha (Kenyon) Leonard, he grew up in Taunton and was a longtime resident of Somerset Village.

A graduate of Monsignor Coyle High School, Class of 1944, he was drafted into the United States Army during World War II his senior year. His service was briefly postponed until graduation, and he was proud to serve as a member of Battalion B, a unit composed of the youngest soldiers. He served during the Battle of the Bulge and was one of the last ones to cross the Remagen Bridge in Germany prior to its destruction.

Mr. Leonard retired as a manager from Western Union in 1984 after a long career in telegraph communications, including summers on Martha’s Vineyard, where he met his wife. One of the highlights of his career was covering the press for Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy in the late 50’s and early 60’s.

An avid gardener, he enjoyed reading and loved to travel. He enjoyed walking, visiting the beach, and spending his winters in Fort Myers and Naples. A dedicated family man, he learned the value of hard work caring for others at a young age, when he stepped up with his brother to care for his siblings after the death of their father. He held family close to his heart, with the happiest moments of his life spent surrounded by those he loved, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could often be found in the crowd cheering them on at sports events or performances. Dick and Maja enjoyed 58 years of marriage, and he showed his devotion to her with daily visits to her nursing home as her health declined.

Richard was fortunate to have wonderful care at Clifton Assisted Living and the Avita Memory Care unit at Autumn Glen. The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Sakonnet Bay, where Richard resided for the past fifteen months, and the Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice staff for their care and loving compassion for Richard, especially in his last days.

He is survived by three children, Karen L. Barrar and her husband William, Deborah L. Bibeau and her husband Barry all of Swansea, Richard G. Leonard, Jr. and his husband Rey Quijano of Seattle, six grandchildren: William Barrar, IV and his wife Haley of W. Roxbury, Erin Barrar and Riley Barrar, both of Cambridge, Kevin Bibeau and his wife Kate of Swampscott, Jeffrey Bibeau of Warren, Sara Nogueira and her husband Nicholas of Berkley; six great grandchildren, Gwendolen and Isla Barrar, Theo, Clarabelle and Lucille Nogueira and Charlie Bibeau; brother in law, Henry Hall and his wife Joni of Madison, CT and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Thomas, David and Charles Leonard, Beryl Miller and Audrey Hall.

His visitation will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, from 8:30 to 10:00AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Rose E. Sullivan, 866 County St., Somerset followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30AM in Our Lady of Peace Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, 306 South St., Somerset. Relatives and friends invited. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Friends of the Somerset Public Library, 1464 County St., Somerset, MA 02726. Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Somerset. For tributes or directions, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com