Ronald L. Leonard

Ronald L. Leonard, 84 of Niskayuna, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his family on April 1.

Ron was one of seven children born to the late Edward F and Louise (Thiel) Leonard on September 10,1934.  He graduated from New York University School of Commerce and attended New York University School and American Institute of Banking. Ron worked in the banking industry for over 30 years for Chase Manhattan, Security National and Chemical banks.

Ron grew up during the Golden Age of cinema, radio and television. Enjoying the comedy of the Marx Brothers and W.C. Fields, the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chan, and many of the early movie musicals. He was a modern-day troubadour. He had a love of the written word. He read the works of Shakespeare, Dickens, Yeats, Keats and Joyce.  He was a poet, songwriter, story teller and author. He loved the cadence and context of T’was the Night Before Christmas, and narrated it every year.   Every word painting scenes for the children’s minds.  He was a consummate fan of the game show Jeopardy.

In the 60’s Ron picked up a Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem album and a love not only of their music but of his Irish heritage was born. Later he went from fan to friend and had a long-lasting relationship with them, which prompted him to write the acclaimed book “The Merry Hearted Boys.”  He was also the author of two other books about his granddaughter, “Caroline, Caroline, What are You Thinking,” and “The World of Caroline.”

Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Margaret Leonard, his children Elise Leonard, Christine Cook (Irving), Erica Amruso (Nicholas), Niskayuna Town Councilwoman Denise Murphy McGraw (David) and Harold “Billy” Murphy (Hanne). Grandchildren Lauren, Andrew, Eric, Meaganne, Caroline, Piper and Beckham. Great grandchildren, Adelynn and Jude and nephew Peter Suarez.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 13, at 10:30 a.m., at St Kateri Tekawitha Parish, 1801 Union Street, Niskayuna.   Interment to follow at Most Holy Redeemer RC Cemetery.  Calling Hours will be Friday, April 12, 4:00-7:00, at Cannon Funeral Home 2020 Central Avenue Colonie.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to:
The Case Management Society of America Foundation - http://www.cmsafoundation.org/ron-leonard-memorial-fund; or The Irish American Heritage Museum - http://irish-us.org/ To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com