Hancock – Thearon W. “Bill” Leonard, 81, of Main Street, Hancock, MA, died on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Berkshire Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Born in Williamstown, MA, on May 9, 1927, he was the son of the late John W. and Hazel Coons Leonard. He was the loving husband of the late Evelyn A. Jennings Leonard who died on November 27, 1992. They were married in Williamstown on July 2, 1947.
Bill attended Williamstown schools prior to enlisting in the United States Navy in 1945. He served in the USN Seabee Unit. He was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Theater Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal while serving in Okinawa. Through his adult life, he was a self-employed mechanic and caretaker until his retirement.
Survivors include his children and their spouses Patricia A. and husband Adolph Rosier, Gail M. and husband Timothy Wright, William D. and wife Lauren Leonard, John D. and wife Charlene Leonard, Mary J. and husband Franklyn Sturgis and Jill M. and husband Thomas Hazen, his grandchildren, Robert W. Rosier, Sadie Wright-Knott, Amanda M. Wright, Jake D. Leonard, Seth W. Leonard, Zachary W. Leonard, David M. Leonard, Matthew F. Sturgis, Nathaniel W. Hazen and Sydney A. Hazen, and his great-grandchildren, Haley N. Rosier, Anna E. Knott and Carver A. Knott. Bill was pre-deceased by a daughter, Donna L. Leonard. He also leaves his beloved companions Belle and Roscoe.
Graveside services will be private in the spring in Hancock Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hancock Fire Department in care of Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, P.O. Box 9, Stephentown, NY, 12168.