William M. Leaning

William M. Leaning, 92, passed away suddenly on July 20th, 2024 in his home. William (Bill or Bubbie, as his family called him), born in Loudonville, NY on January 1st, 1932, he was the son of the late Harold K. and Arline (Gratto) Leaning of Essex, NY. Bubbie and his 4 siblings (Dickie, Marge, Betsy and Gerry) grew up on a farm in Loudonville – the family moved in 1945 to a farm again, in Whallonsburg on what is now called Leaning Road.

After graduating High School, Bill joined the Army and was stationed in Korea for 2 years during the War. Upon his return he completed his studies at SUNY Canton and moved to Philadelphia to begin his career at Powers Regulator. It was here where he met his wife, Jeanne Searfoorce and they were married in June of 1964. They moved to Baltimore in 1967 where Bill continued his work with Powers. After a long career, Bill retired in 1995 but retirement didn’t work for him. In partnership with Ron Rider, he formed his own company, TFC Automation in 1996. Work wasn’t work for Bill, he enjoyed talking to people, telling stories and his business contacts became life-long friends.

Bill was an avid golfer, when he wasn’t working, you could find him on the golf course at Hunt Valley Country Club, where he honed his skills. He looked forward to the annual golf trip to Myrtle Beach with his golf buddies. The family took many vacations together to the beach and mountains and enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake. Bill and Jeanne formed many friendships throughout their lives, most special to them was their “gourmet group”, who met monthly – while food was enjoyed, it was those friendships with the Morrill’s, Phelke’s, Vance’s, Ruggeri’s, Gabriel’s, Eliason (Patten)’s and later the Brand’s, whom they cherished.

Bill and Jeanne were married for 59 years, Jeanne passed just 7 short months ago in December. Surviving them are their children Kirk Leaning and his wife Cathy, and Kristin Burns and her husband Jim and their 4 grandchildren: Ryan, Jack, Caroline and Emma and siblings Richard “Dickie” Leaning and Arline “Betsy” Whitlock. He is predeceased by his brother, Gerald “Gerry” Leaning and sister Marge Russell.

The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc. 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Friday, August 9th from 5 to 8pm and Saturday, August 10th from 10am to11am, at which time Bill’s life will be celebrated at 11am. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Bill’s memory to Mercy Ridge, Attn. Human resources, c/o employee appreciation fund, 2525 Pot Spring Road, Timonium, MD 21093.