Obituary of William Robert Leonard

William (Bill) Robert Leonard, beloved husband of Joyce Leonard, passed away at the age of 92 on September 11, 2023. He was born on December 18, 1930 in North Java, NY. He was the younger of the two sons of Pauline and Frank Leonard. After graduating from high school in Attica, NY, Bill attended Bliss Electrical School and then enlisted in the Navy. He often said that his older brother Donald Leonard (deceased) saved his life by funding his education at Bliss. He served for four years in the Navy and then was hired by IBM in Jamestown, NY. He met his wife, Joyce J. Sweet, through mutual friends, and they were married on July 18, 1953 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Belfast, NY. Bill and Joy have four children, Kathleen (Medio Monti) Leonard, Beth (Mark) Kuhn, David (Donna) Leonard, and Christine Lane. They have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bill began his 35-year career with IBM as a field engineer. During his time with IBM, Bill filled roles as an instructor, branch manager, and VP of Human Resources. Bill’s warm smile and amiable personality made him respected and admired by all who knew him. Bill was an avid golfer and was able to spend many hours on the golf course honing his game after he retired. He had four holes-in-one during his golfing years and won quite a few tournaments. Bill was devoted to his family. Bill and Joy, their children, and grandchildren have 50 years of wonderful memories from their summers at Lake Chautauqua. Bill’s talent for problem-solving was particularly suited to owning a lake house as he could build or repair almost anything! Bill was someone that family and friends could count on to be there when needed, no matter what. His family will all miss being able to call Dad or Papa for advice. Helen Keller said, “The light from those we have loved can never be dimmed in our hearts.” Bill’s love will always shine bright. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 NOON on October 24, 2023 at St. Barbara Church of Corpus Christi Parish, 45 Prestley Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15017. Following the mass there will be a prayer service and military honors at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in William Leonard’s name to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, Texas https://supportdellchildrens.org/ or PGA Reach https://www.pgareach.org/