Eric was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Erich and Gertrude Leonhardt nee Roedel. He relocated from Queens, New York to Port St. Lucie in 1975. Eric served in the United States Army Reserves. He owned and operated Stroell's Bakery in New York before moving to Florida and working for 25 years as a Bakery Manager at Publix. Eric was a member of the Queen's Master Baker's Association. He was of Lutheran faith. As a child, Eric enjoyed playing stickball in the streets of New York with his friends. He was an avid fisherman and bowler. He helped coach his children's baseball and basketball teams, while they were growing up. In his golden years, Eric was known to enjoy cruises and could be found at the slot machines. His fun loving great sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.
Eric was preceded in death by an infant brother, Dieter Leonhardt.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ruth Neumann Leonhardt; brother, Jerry Leonhardt and his wife Kenna, of Port St. Lucie; sons, Erik Leonhardt and his wife, Erica of Pompano, Florida, Steven Leonhardt and his wife, Lori of Lighthouse Point, Florida, and Gary Leonhardt and his fiancée, Lori of Hawaii; and grandchildren, Derek, Gretchen, Jake, and Luke Leonhardt.
A Celebration honoring Eric's life will take place at Aycock at Tradition, 12571 SW Tradition Parkway Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987 on Saturday May 12, 2018 from 5-7 pm.
A Service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 7875 W. McNab Rd, Taramac, FL 33321 on Wednesday, May 16th at 3:00 pm. (954) 721-3560
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 5000 Dunn Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34981.
