Sidney Francis Leonard Jr.

Sidney Francis Leonard Jr. passed away on July 1st 2023 with his loving family at his side, following a long battle with dementia. Sid was born in New Orleans on April 19th 1934 and attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and Samuel J. Peters High School. He was a proud member of the Shoulder-To-Shoulder Club and enjoyed the camaraderie of those members. He served two years of active duty in the United States Navy following high school, and worked for Western Electric Company until its closing, when he then worked for BellSouth until his retirement in 1991.

Sid is preceded in death by his son Brian Christopher Leonard, his parents Sidney Francis Leonard Sr. and Anna Barbe Leonard, and his sister Anna Mae Bozant (Ronald.) He is survived by his wife Gaynell Calongne Leonard, to whom he was married for 59 years, along with sons Scott Leonard (Susanne Songy) and Brett Leonard (Jennifer Wright.) He was blessed with five adoring grandchildren, Robin, Will, Logan, Gavin, and Caden Leonard, who will remember him fondly. He is also survived by his two nephews, Michael Cimino and Kurt Bozant, three sisters-in-law, Gwen, Wanda, and Georgette, to whom he was very devoted, along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Sid was a proud member of the Padua 20’s, where he and Gaynell met in 1961. Later in life he became a member of AARP 4924 where he got to embrace his acting talents and the friendships of so many. He tremendously enjoyed his camps, where he worked diligently and loved having his family and friends over to enjoy it with him. He loved boating and crabbing with his children and grandchildren, and celebrating all occasions with his nieces and nephews, including those trips to the casino. He was blessed with very loyal friends who stayed near and dear to him until the end.

The family would like to extend immeasurable thanks to the multitude of family members, friends, and neighbors who ensured Sid’s last years were ones of dignity and joy. The family would like to offer special thanks to Fr. Beau Charbonnet and Fr. Ray Hymel for the love and spiritual care given to Sid. The family sends tremendous thanks for the superior care given to Sid by Compassus Hospice, whose staff were all very endearing, professional, and encouraging. The family feels compelled to offer very special thanks to Nurse Melissa and Nurse Assistant Bertha, whose care for Sid was impeccable, humorous and sincere.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home at 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie on Monday, July 10th starting at 11am, followed by a mass in the chapel at 1pm. Burial will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum, Garden of Peace. In lieu of flowers, masses offered for Sid are preferred.