John Paul Leonard was the son of Irish refugees Margaret and Martin Leonard. John grew up in New York City, attended Manhattan College and became an engineer. He was one of many rocket scientists who came to Huntsville in the 1950s where he met and married Nina Fontana 57 years ago. They have four children whose father was caring, gentle, steady and strong; and these children had a front row seat to the most beautiful life-long love story between him and their mom. He inspired his children and grandchildren to learn about life and to enjoy every moment. John Leonard: A great son, husband, brother, father and grandfather, a man who put his family first.
John was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. Survivors include his wife, Nina Leonard; children, Kathleen Leonard, Kevin Leonard, Marianne Bayer and husband, Steve, and Luke Leonard and wife, Missy; sister, Kathleen Leonard Rebeck and husband, Ken; and grandchildren, Luke Bayer, Sean Bayer, Daniel Bayer, Andrew Bayer, Price Leonard, Caroline Leonard, and Sarah Grace Leonard.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11 at the church, with a reception following.
John supported the North Alabama Food Bank and the Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either of these worthy causes. https://www.foodbanknorthal.org https://www.stjude.org
