John L. Leonard

John L. Leonard, 98, of Latrobe, died Sunday, June 12, 2016, at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. He was born April 1, 1918, in South Fork, son of the late John A. Leonard and Ellen (Dalton) Leonard. He moved to Chicago where he lived for several years until he joined the military prior to World War II. He was a retired jeweler and owner of Leonard Jewelers in Blairsville and Sterling Jewelers in Latrobe. He was a member of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church and a life member of American Legion Post No. 515. He was a World War II veteran, having served as a Master Sergeant for infantry replacement training in the Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret M. (Grote) Leonard, in 2000; three sisters, Jean, Winifred and Rita; and seven brothers, Martin, James, Regis, Tom, Donald, Edward and Paul Leonard. He was the last living member of his immediate family. He is survived by three sons, Attorney John M. Leonard and his wife, Barbara, of Greensburg, Gerald P. Leonard (Marylou Gunsallus), of Latrobe, and Attorney Kevin P. Leonard and his wife, Jennifer, of Latrobe; nine grandchildren, Emma Tkach, of North Carolina, Brian Leonard, of California, Gerald Leonard Jr., of Colorado, Kristen Steinman, of Tennessee, Erica Sellman, of Greensburg, Attorney Erin Salas, of Delmont, Kevin P. Leonard Jr., of Connellsville, John E. Leonard and Ashley Leonard, both of Latrobe; ten great-grandchildren, Jackson, Claire, Madalyn, Grant, Abigail, Isabella, Dylan, Samantha, Aristotle and Aurora; as well as a very special friend and wonderful dance partner, Mary Lowry, of Latrobe. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2016, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650. A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2016, in Holy Family Roman Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Daniel C. Mahoney, VF, officiating. Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery, Latrobe. Military honors will be conducted at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home by the Latrobe-Derry Veterans Honor Guard. Thank you to the ICCU and Hospice staff at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital for the compassionate care they offered to John and the family. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Holy Fmaily Church Restoration Campaign, 1200 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650. To purchase flowers or send condolences, please visit www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.