Thomas Leonard Obituary

Leonard, Thomas E. 84, passed away Sunday, November 23rd in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The eldest of 7 children of Michael E. and Mary Donnelly Leonard (deceased), he was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. He attended Catholic schools, culminating in his graduation from the University of Notre Dame in 1951, then moving to Chicago. He remained a stalwart supporter of the Fighting Irish. In 1953 Tom married Ann Nachtegall and together raised seven children, living first in Wilmette, IL for over 40 years and then Northfield, IL. They were together 48 years. In 2003 once again good fortune graced him as he met his second love, Patricia Williams, whom he married and together they shared a love for family, friends, the arts, travel and Santa Fe. An avid sailor since the early 1950's, he captained his vessel Chasseur on sailing adventures with family and friends across the Great Lakes, to Labrador and New Foundland, the Pacific to Hawaii, and the Atlantic to the Azores, Spain, and France. Tom loved traveling and exploring the Southwest, and in the 1970's built, with longtime friends Michael and Roberta Potts, a home in Santa Fe, NM. His adventurous spirit led him around the world, with Ireland, Paris and the Galapagos Islands as favorites. He loved spending summers in Holland, MI and winters in Santa Fe, NM. In the 1960's Tom joined Henry C. Grebe & Company Shipyard. Starting as general manager, eventually owning this Chicago institution long noted for ship building (private and U.S. Naval), selling, storing and maintaining boats including Wendella and Mercury cruise boats. He served on the Board of Directors for The Good Shepherd Manor in Momence, IL and Donnelly Mirrors (Magna) in Holland, MI, helping lead that company from a small family glass business in Western Michigan into an international corporation servicing the automotive industry. Tom was a member of the Chicago Yacht Club since 1955 and a strong supporter of the Sea Scouts (BSA), the Lyric Opera, and the Goodman Theatre. He was a model train builder, a hunter, a trap/skeet enthusiast, and an avid photographer who had a camera ready to capture that special moment with family and friends or the wildflower growing by the roadside. Tom is survived by his wife, Patricia (Williams); siblings, Rev. John (Barbara) Leonard, Margo (Robert) Karczewski, Ann Molenda, Edward (Nancy) Leonard, and preceded in death by Kathleen (William) Farhat, Robert Leonard, and Rosemary Leonard; children, Michael (Stacy) Leonard, Maryellen (Daniel) Schwartz, Joan (Donald) Short, Patricia (Glenn) Allen, Stephen Leonard, William (Shauna) Leonard, Sarah Leonard; special family in his life include Carter (Jeffrey) Sharfstein, Courtney (Morgan) Jacobson, Dwyer (Peter) McWeeny; additionally, he was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. While we will miss him in this life we know that he is on to his next adventure. Family and friends will gather at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077 on Thursday, December 4, 2014, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to celebrate and remember his gregarious personality, his ready wit, his adventures, and his generosity. The Funeral Mass will take place Friday, December 5th at 11:00 a.m. at his parish church St. Francis Xavier Church, 524 Ninth St., Wilmette, IL 60091. Memorial donations may be sent to the Good Shepherd Manor for Men, 4129 Illinois 1, Momence, IL 60940. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.