William R. Leonard, 93

January 07, 2016

Another “Devil in Baggy Pants” made his final jump, William R. Leonard, 93, of East Petersburg, PA passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Lancashire Hall. He was the husband of Mildred [Steinmetz] Leonard and would have celebrated their 68th anniversary this April.

Born in Lancaster on June 26, 1922, he was the son of Philip and Gertrude [Killian] Leonard. He attended J.P. McCaskey HS, lettering in cross county, and became a machinist prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in September 1942.

Bill served with the 82nd Airborne, 504th Parachute Infantry, I Company and saw extensive action in N. Africa, Sicily, Anzio, Holland, the Rhineland, and the Ardennes. He was awarded The Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge/ 6 bronze stars and a Bronze Arrowhead. He also “earned” a Purple Heart when he was wounded crossing the Waal River at Nijemegan during Operation Market Garden. Amazingly, his jacket and the first aid kit that was hit when he was shot, is now on display in a museum in Holland!

In addition to us, his family, Bill enjoyed golf, painting, woodworking, stamp collecting and photography. He was a life time member of the 82nd Airborne Assoc. lifetime member of the 504th Infantry Regiment, lifetime member of the Post 34 American Legion, and member of the of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Disabled American Veterans and the Polkateers for many years. After more than 30 years as a machinist, he had retired from Permutit Co – Zurn Industries.

Along with his wife Mildred, he is survived by their four sons; Robert, husband of Shirley of Mt. Joy, PA, Donald, husband of Cindy of Herndon, VA, Terry, husband of Sandy of Petersburg, VA and Curtis, husband of Sharon of Knoxville, MD: 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his three brothers; Philip, Daniel and Raymond Leonard and his three sisters: Lillian Bouder, Dorthy Barnes, and Margret Brosey.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 11:00 AM from the Charles F. Snyder, Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, PA 17543. A viewing will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held in the Riverview Burial Park with military honors provided by the Red Rose Honor Guard. Bill’s family will be celebrating he’s last jump at the American Legion Post 34 at 1388 Arcadia Road, Lancaster Pa, 17601 at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 4219 Trindle Rd. Camp Hill, PA 17011 in his memory.