Richard J. Leonard, of Reading, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2025. He was 70 years of age.
Richard is the loving son of the late Elmer and Rita (Leahy) Leonard. He is the cherished brother of Judeth Pellegrini.
Richard was raised in and spent most of his adult life living in Reading. He attended the Reading Public Schools and graduated from the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts School of Law. Over the course of his career Richard was a businessman, a lawyer, and an educator. He was most proud of passing the Massachusetts Bar Exam and earning his private pilot’s license. He enjoyed summers boating on Lake Winnipesauke and winters skiing in the White Mountains. He will be remembered for his beautiful blue eyes, his brilliant mind, and always being ready and willing to help a friend.
Richard is survived by his sister Judeth Pellegrini and her husband Dean of Groton and his best friend Paula “PJ” Prokop of Rhode Island.
Richard’s family would like to thank the staff at Artis Senior Living of Reading for the care and support they provided him over the past year.
Family and friends are kindly invited to a Funeral Mass Celebrating Richard’s Eternal Life on Friday, December 6th, 2024, in St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St. Reading, at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Woodend Cemetery, Reading.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Richard to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/donate.
