Leonard Sills

Born in Worcester County, Massachusetts in 1935 and was a graduate of Worcester Academy, Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1957 until 1963. During his career he was a member of the American Institute of Architects, Construction Specifications Institute and Society of American Military Engineers. He was a nationally registered architect and held licenses in seven states.

Leonard married Deane Rankin in 1960. After graduation in 1961, they lived in Boston, Brookline and Wellesley for over 11 years and worked for various Boston architectural firms and also as a sole proprietor and consultant. He also taught fourth year design and urban planning at the Boston Architectural Center. He was involved in a wide variety of building types of all scales and was a major contributor in several award-winning design projects. Those projects included the new campus for Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, and Boston University Medical Center MBTA subway station.

In 1972 Leonard rejoined Parsons-Brinckerhoff in Atlanta where he was primarily involved in the programming, design and construction of MARTA as Senior Supervising Architect. He was responsible for architectural services-environmental impact statement, criteria, concept design, design management and construction support of many stations, three of which (Civic Center, Omni and Decatur) received design awards. As Southeast Regional Architect, he was involved in the programming and preliminary design of rapid transit systems in the Boston area, Newark, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and Houston.

In 1984 he joined the Federal Government and moved to St. Simons Island where he served as the Base Architect and Facilities Planner with the Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, GA where he was responsible for facilities planning, design, and design management of many varied projects. Leonard retired in 2000.

Some of the most enjoyable years of his life were spent at University Yacht Club on Lake Lanier with his family and the camaraderie of sailors there. He enjoyed the educational opportunities from the many courses that he studied as a member of the Atlanta US Sail and Power Squadron. In retirement he enjoyed reading and renovating his home and being a member of the Ivy League Club of the Golden Isles.

Leonard was predeceased by his parents, David and Minna Sills of St. Petersburg, FL.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Deane, and daughter, Dana, of Atlanta.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, the 8th of April, 2013 at St. Simons Presbyterian Church at 205 Kings Way, St. Simons Island, GA with Rev. Bob Brearley and Dr. Mark Friedman officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Simons Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 205 Kings Way, St. Simons Island, GA 31522, (912) 638-2220; or, to the Temple Beth Tefilloh, 1326 Egmont St., Brunswick, GA 31520, (912) 265-7575.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home and Oglethorpe Crematorium. www.edomillerandsons.com