Richard Lee Leopold

The Honorable Judge Richard Leopold passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2011 while playing golf with Sherry, his wife of 42 years. He was a loving husband, proud father of Dr. Erin Washburn and Major Jeff Leopold, and doting “Papa” to his four grandchildren Emma, Jenna, Barrett, and Tora. He is also survived by his son-in-law Dr. Kurt Washburn, and daughter-in-law, Dana Leopold.

His exuberant personality and special qualities of kindness, compassion and humility will be missed by all those fortunate to have met him.

Judge Leopold was a county court judge in Ohio for 25 years until appointed as a Federal Administrative Law Judge in 1994. His first bench duty was in Los Angeles, CA and he transferred to Charlotte in 2007 to be closer to family. Judge Leopold was deeply committed to helping those with developmental disabilities. He served on several boards throughout his life; first, in his home state of Ohio, and most recently, on the H.O.P.E. board in Torrance, CA.

Richard was an avid golfer and tennis player. He loved his Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians. Upon moving to Charlotte, he became a regular at Charlotte Knights baseball games.

As a veteran and father of veterans, Richard was heavily involved in charities supportive of the military and military families.

A family and friends visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Home in Pineville, NC from 6-8pm on Wednesday, April 20th. A funeral mass will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 21st, at St. Philip Neri in Ft. Mill, SC, followed by a celebration of his life at Palisades Country Club, 13704 Grand Palisades Parkway, Charlotte, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Philip Neri Church Building Fund, 292 Munn Rd., Fort Mill, SC 29715, in Judge Leopold’s memory.

Online condolences may be left at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC.