Howard D. Leigh

Howard D. Leigh, 92, peacefully passed away on November 13. Born in Bronx, NY and lived in Park Ridge, NJ, before moving to Toms River in 1997. Served in the U.S. Army in South Korea. Attended Pace College, where he received his Bachelor's Degree and Columbia University for his MBA.

He worked as magazine advertising buyer on Madison Ave. and switched to advertising sales for Good Housekeeping and Better Homes & Gardens. He became a successful owner of an ad company for several Chamber of Commerce clients, which lead to Sales Manager for the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce magazine.

He was an Assistant Scout Leader and then a Scout Leader for a troop for disabled boys. He was very proud of every scout he had in his 25 years in Scouting, including his own two boys, Roger, an Eagle scout and Greg, a Life scout. He and wife, Barbara loved going family camping with boys and daughter Cindy, whom he adored, and thought she was his most precious blessing.

When the children became adults, Howard, Barbara and Greg travelled all over the United States and Canada to music festivals. Jazz and big band music were their favorites. He loved animals and always owned dogs. Howard and Barbara liked flowers, and he brought a bouquet for her often. Barbara loved the garden, but Howard was the one who tended to it. He also played golf, and enjoyed the Greenbriar Woodlands golf course.

Howard had a wonderful sense of humor which the family appreciated. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he had trains for the kids. Grandpa George and Howard would go shopping the day after Christmas for trains that were on sale. When he moved to Toms River he expanded the trains to a village which kept growing every year. His Christmas room was enjoyed by all.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Barbara. Devoted father of Roger and wife Lani Jo, son Gregory, daughter Cynthia and husband Stephen Lisi. Grandchildren Fern, Dustin, Alexandra, Nicholas and Abigail. Greats: Quinn, Sage, Contrice, Ky'mani and Chanel. Nieces and nephews Catherine, Mark, Liz (Goddaughter) and Georgi. Sister-in-law, Suzanne.

A memorial service will be held at D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Donations can be made to Our Special Klub, an organization for disabled adults. Checks to OSKNJ, 41 Green Island Road, Toms River, NJ 08753 or a charity of your choice.