Robert Leonard

LEONARD, Robert J., of New Milford died on August 12, 2014.
Beloved husband of Eileen (nee Gonzales). Devoted father of Linda Feci and her husband Arthur. Robert was predeceased by his first wife Florence and seven siblings. Loving grandfather of Michael and Jenna Feci. Also survived by pet Alana, his friend of 17 years.
Robert proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945, where he saw action in Guadalcanal, the liberation of Bougainville, the invasion of Guam and Iwo Jima. He was the past state commandant, Dept. of NJ Marine Corps League, and commandant, Gooney Birds Detachment 434, New Milford, from 1990-1992. He was awarded "Marine of the Year" by Detachment 434 and honored as the oldest "Marine Present" at the 2013 Marine Corps Ball. Robert was also a member of VFW Cairola Barber Post 2342, Fort Lee, Legion Post 170, and a volunteer in Borough of New Milford as a member of the Police Auxiliary, past president of the New Milford Senior Citizens Club and member of New Milford Historic Commission. He was the 1990 grand marshal of the Memorial Day Parade and was a beloved crossing guard for over 10 years, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Robert's name to Holy Name Hospice Palliative Service, 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ or Gooney Bird Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1775, New Milford, NJ. For more information or to view Robert's tribute page, visit volkleber.com.