William “Bill” E. Leonard, 82, of Fair Haven, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Bill was born in Jersey City to the late William M. and Margaret L. (née Hoffman) Leonard, and had previously lived in Atlantic Highlands and Red Bank before moving to Fair Haven fifty-seven years ago.
Bill grew up in Atlantic Highlands, and after graduating from Atlantic Highlands High School joined the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge from the USAF he returned to NJ and began what would be a lifelong career spanning 35 years with the United States Postal Service acting in many different roles before retiring as Postmaster of Holmdel in 1992. He took pride in everything he did. He had a strong work ethic and rarely missed a day of work.
All of his life, Bill volunteered in various ways giving back and trying to make the communities in which he lived a better place. Bill was a member of the Fair Haven Fire Department, becoming treasurer after his active firefighting days. He achieved lifetime member status with the fire department for his 54 years of service. He loved working the annual Fair Haven Fireman’s Fair, during which he got to see the many, many friends and acquaintances he had made over the years. His favorite part of being in the FHFD was getting to play Santa, he loved seeing the excitement on all of those innocent little faces. He was a member of the Fire Department Relief Fund, and was a former Captain for Fair Haven First Aid, served as Treasurer, and achieved lifetime member status there as well.
Bill served as Chairman of Two Rivers Water Reclamation Authority, and was given a proclamation that cited his having the longest service as Chairman. He also served as President of the Monmouth County Postal Employees Credit Union for many years, as well as serving on Fair Haven Borough Council, eventually becoming Mayor of Fair Haven from 1998-2001.
In his younger days he coached his sons’ baseball team, helping shape the Fair Haven baseball program in its infancy. He enjoyed camping and frequently took the family on camping trips with friends and neighbors, and was a YMCA Indian Guide at one point. The only time he ever truly relaxed was when he and his wife, Ruth, went to their favorite spot, Sanibel Island, FL.
When he wasn’t working or volunteering his time, Bill was keeping busy. You could find him in his garden where he spent hours planting and tending his flowers, and many more were spent enjoying their beauty. Bill loved to cook and bake and had quite a recipe collection; he made every type of fruit bar or cake that he could find a recipe for and his handmade pizza and his famous cheese bread were always a treat.
Beloved husband of fifty-eight years to Ruth Ann (née Osborn). Admired, respected, and loved by his children William E. Leonard Jr (Rachel “Lia”) of Belford, Joseph Leonard (Donna) of West Long Branch, Timothy Leonard (Christine) of Rumson, and Jennifer Carduck (Will) of Chesterfield, VA. Endeared to grandchildren Rebecca Leonard, William E. Leonard III, Antonio Maligieri, Stephanie Cella (Chris), and Jaclyn, Thomas (Jenny), Jesse, Bryce, and Tyler Leonard, Timothy and Hunter Leonard, and Christopher, Julianna, and Jake Carduck, and “honorary grandson”, Steve. Also survived by great-grandchildren Alyssa, Michael, Kaeleigh, Amelia, and Sadie; Sisters Evelyn Warren, Marge Froidl, and brother, Richard Leonard (Maggi); Sister-in-law Hazel Wilkins and brother-in-law Glenn Osborn (Mary Ann) and numerous nieces and nephews, especially Nancy and George Balina.
Bill was predeceased by sisters Geraldine Slocum, and Doris Brown; brothers Thomas Leonard, James Leonard, and Robert Leonard.
Bill was a devoted communicant of the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven for over 50 years. A sociable man, he was often seen walking in town, quick with a wave or a hearty handshake, first to lend a hand, always with a big smile, and was jokingly referred to as “Mr. Mayor” long before he actually became Fair Haven’s Mayor. He never met a stranger, and knew everyone by name, even making friends and having a coffee klatch not only locally, but also in Sanibel. He gave the best bear hugs, and was larger than life with a heart of gold. There are no words to describe what a great man Bill was. He is well loved and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
Special thanks to Shelly and Maria for their loving and compassionate care, and also to the hospice nurses that provided comfort and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider make a memorial donation in Bill’s name to the Fair Haven Fire Department, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A Memorial Mass and Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences and memories may be left at www.hoffmanfuneral.com. Hoffman Funeral Home, Long Branch was entrusted with arrangements.
