John Francis Leonard, a life well lived

John Francis Leonard, 82, originally of Bonsal Street, Philadelphia, Pa., died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, surrounded by loving family. John graduated from Bishop John Neumann in 1961 and married Ella Mae Sept. 8, 1962. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Joseph’s University (night division) in 1972. 

John and Ella Mae raised their family in Northeast Philadelphia, Washington Crossing, Pa., Salisbury, Md., and Queen Village, Pa. Summers in Wildwood, N.J., New Year’s Day Mummers Parades, and Penn State tailgates are fond memories. 

Working as an airline executive, and retiring in 2004 as CEO of Piedmont Airlines, John traveled the world, stepping foot on nearly all the continents, but was most fond of the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland. John showed pride in his Irish heritage, enjoyed the craic, and loved his family. He was smart, sharp-witted, good-natured, fair, and sometimes cantankerous. John had a passion for planning vacations and loved hosting many get-togethers with family and friends. 

John is survived by his sons, Jack (Maryann), Sean (Susie), Ed (Sue) and Rob (Allison); his daughter, Jen (Claire); 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Ella Mae; granddaughter, Katie; his parents, Clara and Harry; and his brothers: Joe, Tom and Harry. 

The Leonard family is grateful to John’s caregivers who provided compassionate, dedicated care during his struggle with dementia. 

 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life with a gathering beginning at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 1, at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery chapel, 1600 S. Sproul Road, Springfield, Pa. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed immediately by interment. 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dementia Society of America are appreciated, dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate.