James Thomas Leonard

James T. Leonard of Newburyport, passed-away peacefully with his family members by his side at Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Thursday, November 14, 2019. He was the husband of his loving wife Ann.

Born June 2nd 1937 in Newburyport, he was the son of the late Ruth M. Toomey and James R. Leonard.

His family moved to Brooklyn, NY, where he graduated from Regis High School in Manhattan, New York. He obtained a full academic scholarship from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, graduating with a degree in economics. Upon graduation, he served in the National Guard for six years and then settled-back in Newburyport, where he raised his family while working as the controller for many years at Chase Shawmut in Newburyport.  He then went on to a few business startups in the late 1980's and subsequently returned to Gould Shawmut, from which he retired in 1999. 

Jim was an avid runner for years, competing in the Yankee Homecoming 10 miler several times.  He also loved skiing out West in Colorado and Utah with friends Dan Healey and Jay Mulligan.  He also enjoyed coaching his sons baseball teams, as they played in the Newburyport Pioneer League.  A true jazz aficionado, Jim and his wife Ann traveled extensively, enjoying numerous musical performances both locally and internationally for many years.  He also enjoyed attending the athletic and school events of his grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife Ann, he is survived by his son Michael Leonard and his wife Christina of Newburyport, son Shawn Leonard and companion Barbara Lopes also of Newburyport, and his grandchildren Meryle and Cameron Leonard, also of Newburyport.   

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday November 18, 2019 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. THERE IS NO LONGER ANY PARKING AVAILABLE BEHIND THE FUNERAL HOME PER ORDER OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday November 19, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Church, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery, both in Newburyport.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to St. Vincent de Paul Society at 42 Green St in Newburyport.

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