Francis E. Leonard Jr. Obituary in Peabody at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home

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Francis E. Leonard Jr.

February 06, 1952 - May 23, 2022

Obituary For Francis E. Leonard Jr.

Rowley – Francis E. “Buddy” Leonard Jr. 70, beloved husband of Donna (Stanton) Leonard and caring father of Brendan Leonard, died Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Born in Salem Hospital, he was the son of the late Francis E. Leonard Sr. and Kathleen (McCarthy) Leonard. He was raised in Peabody, attended St. John the Baptist School and graduated from Peabody High School, class of 1970. He continued his education earning a bachelor's degree at Salem State College.

Buddy had been employed for thirty years by the State of Massachusetts in the Department of Transitional Assistance, until the time of his retirement in 2014. Prior to that he had worked as a school teacher.

A longtime resident of Peabody prior to moving to Rowley, Buddy was a member of the Licensing Board for the City of Peabody, a member of the A.O.H. in Peabody and was a supportive member of the Trustees of the Reservation. Recently, he became a duel citizen. In addition to the United States, he became a citizen of the Republic of Ireland.

His love for baseball began as a child playing in Emerson Park in Peabody. He continued playing baseball on the varsity team at Peabody High School. An avid runner, Buddy had run hundreds of local road races on the North Shore. He was a student of history, politics, and had a great love for animals, especially his dogs Ruby, Mickey, and Gracie. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, uncle, brother and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife with whom he shared over twenty-nine years of marriage, he is survived by his son, Brendan Leonard of Brooklyn, NY, two sisters, Katherine Soteropoulos and her husband, George of Peabody and Susan Linehan and her husband, Jeff of Salem, two brothers, Thomas Leonard and his wife, Maureen of West Newbury and Peter Leonard and his wife, Judith of East Kingston, NH and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late John Leonard. ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St., Peabody, Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial in the Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.

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Condolences

June 07, 2022

Bob Cunha

Very sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. Remember him well from our high school days with many fond memories. May he rest in peace.
May 30, 2022

Kevin Shea

I was shocked to hear of Buddy's sudden passing and my heartfelt condolences to the family. I have the greatest memories with Buddy hanging out at Mike's Variety Store corner, Emerson Park and down at the A.O.H. He was a superb baseball athlete and I always dreaded pitching against him in Little League. I could never strike him out and just hoped he would keep it in the park. Kevin Shea
May 30, 2022

David (Smerge) Smorczewski

Very unfortunate to hear of Buddy's passing we were teammates at SSC, and adversaries in the old North Shore Baseball League, he was one of a kind. I grieve with the family-Dave(Smerge)Smorczewski
May 29, 2022

Patrick Hoffman

Dear Brendan and Mrs. Leonard, On behalf of myself and the entire TOFT staff at Lincoln Center, we are so deeply sorry for the loss of your Dad and husband. May your warm memories of time spent together bring you some measure of comfort now and always. With prayers, Patrick Hoffman
May 29, 2022

Bob Driscoll

To the Leonard & Stanton families. Bud was a kind, loving & loyal friend. He loved his family immensely A natural athlete, he was tenacious on a baseball diamond. He was a member of the old Emerson Park gang. My heart is heavy, I miss my old friend.
May 28, 2022

Beth (Maguire) Miller

Dear Leonard family The entire Maguire family is holding you in our thoughts and prayers. It was a joy being neighbors all of those years on Emerson Street and having Emerson park to grow up on. Buddy always had a gentle kindness and a smile on his face. He made everyone he spent time with feel special. Buddy surely was met with the open arms of your loving Father and Mother, Uncle Ed and John and we will always remember him fondly. Beth (Maguire) Miller
May 27, 2022

Mike McCarthy

Wry sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. We played ball together at Peabody High Mike McCarthy class right of 1970
May 27, 2022

Colleen stanton

Donna and Brendan, our hearts go out to you at the loss of a wonderful husband and father. Buddy's smile would light up a room and his kindness was an inspiration to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Colleen and Bill Stanton
May 26, 2022

John Murphy

Very sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. Had a great time growing up with him. From Emerson Park to the AOH we always had a great time. He was a real good man. My condolences. John Murphy
May 26, 2022

Dan Ryan

Kathy,Sue,Peter & Tommy sorry to hear of Buddies passing my sincere condolences Dan Ryan
May 26, 2022

Jo Francine Manning-Souza

So sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. I hope decade's of memories will help with your grief. I hope Judy's and my musical playing at Mass will help in Buddys final journey to Our Father in heaven. Jo Manning and Family
May 26, 2022

William Fader

Donna and Brendan, Buddy was as good a friend as you could ever want. We were lifelong friends who together enjoyed sporting events, concerts, hiking and exploring the northshore, as well as a good seafood or chinese meal. Buddy was loyal, reliable, and a pleasure to be with. Nobody could say a bad word about him. I'll miss him every day. So sorry for your loss. Bill "Doc" Fader