John B. "Red" Leonard was called home to God and entered the Kingdom of Heaven on June 28, 2015.
Red was born in New Haven, on Aug. 4, 1928, and grew up in Medford, Mass. At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an apprentice seaman.
He married Virginia in 1951, and they started their lifelong journey together.
Red proudly served during World War II and the Korean War. He spent time in Japan, China, Cuba, and Hawaii. The recruiting slogan, "Join the Navy and see the world" certainly came true for him.
Red was a chief gunner's mate who advanced through all of the Navy's elite diving training schools. In 1955, he passed the U.S. Navy Ships Salvage Divers School. In 1956, he passed the Navy's First Class Deep Sea Diver's School with maximum depth attained on air 300 ft., on helium/oxygen 385 ft. In 1964, Red earned this highly sought after rating, and became Master Diver John B. Leonard. "We dive the world over." A decorated serviceman, Red retired with an honorable discharge after serving his country for 22 years.
Red worked in New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital as a hyperbaric chamber operator. He later continued in the same position at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory on the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in New London.
During his retirement, Red spent his summers relaxing at Cape Neddick-York Beach, Maine. Playing cribbage, cheering on his New York Yankees, completing the New York Times crossword puzzles, and spending time with family and friends were just some of his favorite pleasures.
Red is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Virginia; his son, James and his wife, Delores, and grandson, Kevin; his daughter, Donna; his son John and his wife, Cerita, and his grandchildren, Casey, Skylar, Sabina, Tessa, and Gage. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara and her husband, Peter Buonaugurio; and brother, Joey; cousins and many other relatives and friends.
Red loved and was so very proud of his children, the adults they are, and all their many achievements and accomplishments throughout their lives. He also took great pride and delight in all his grandchildren.
There will be no calling hours, and burial will be private at a later date.
He loved and was loved. Forever in our hearts, we mourn but are comforted by knowing he is home with God.
"He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 -
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