The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Hoosick Celebrates Phil Leonard’s Birthday

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Ninety Years Young And Still Going Strong

The room was overcrowded, as it often is lately, at the Town of Hoosick Board meeting on Monday, May 9. This month, many extra people came out to the meeting to help the Town celebrate the 90th birthday of one of Hoosick’s most respected and community-minded people, Town Historian Phil Leonard.
At every Town Board meeting, Leonard presents a “history board” on a particular topic, but this time, The Hoosick Township Historical Society made the presentation, and the topic was…surprise…Phil Leonard, who will turn 90 on May 16. [private]

Phil Leonard blowing out the candle on his birthday cake. All photos by Deb Alter
Phil Leonard blowing out the candle on his birthday cake. All photos by Deb Alter

 

Leonard's grandson, Chris McGuire, who followed his grandfather's footsteps into the field of education, shared a special story with the crowd.
Leonard’s grandson, Chris McGuire, who followed his grandfather’s footsteps into the field of education, shared a special story with the crowd.

 

Members of Leonard’s family joined in the surprise birthday party for him at the Hoosick Town Board meeting. His daughter Sue Maguire is at right, and her son, Phil’s grandson, Chris Maguire is at left. The kids are Chris’ children, Phil’s great-grandchildren: Hogan and Ella Maguire. The "Phil Leonard History Board" is behind them.
Members of Leonard’s family joined in the surprise birthday party for him at the Hoosick Town Board meeting. His daughter Sue Maguire is at right, and her son, Phil’s grandson, Chris Maguire is at left. The kids are Chris’ children, Phil’s great-grandchildren: Hogan and Ella Maguire. The “Phil Leonard History Board” is behind them.

Leonard was visibly surprised as more people flooded into the room, including his daughter, grandson and great grandchildren, and the many, many friends and fans that he’s made since coming to Hoosick Falls as a Guidance Counselor in the 1950s.
The gathered group sang a round of “Happy Birthday”  and cake was served. Historical Society Board members Diana Cottrell and Sue Hoffman read from a newspaper article from 1981, the year Leonard retired as Superintendent of Schools. The article spoke about his energy, accomplishments and dedication that still hold true today. Leonard was responsible for centralizing the schools, building the current school, raising the funds that made the Community Pool possible, obtaining the building in which the Louis Miller Museum is housed, making the Veteran’s Wall in Wood Park a reality, and many other projects too numerous to list here. Leonard is a true Hoosick hero.
The “Phil Leonard History Board”commemorated many aspects of the long and productive life he has lived so far, including a photos of him as a young child, as a college student, with his family over the years, and as principal of Hoosick Falls High School. Several newspaper articles and a program from “Phil Leonard Day” in 1981 were also included. Leonard is still an active and essential member of the community today. Happy birthday, Phil![/private]