William (Bill) Francis Leonard III passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on January 11, 2024 at the age of 72. Bill was born on May 5, 1951 in Hartford to the late William F. Leonard, Jr. and Marguerite (Peggy) LaPoll Leonard and was one of seven of their children raised in East Hartford. He graduated East Hartford High School in 1969, and soon after began his career at the East Hartford Town Hall where he retired as a Building Inspector in 2007 after over 30 years of service.
Bill had a zest for life. He was an amazing cook, who prided himself on fresh ingredients to finish a dish to perfection, something his grandmother and mother had taught him for years. There was no crowd too big or too small that he couldn’t cater to and he put such pride in every detail of a recipe. So many friends and family enjoyed his wonderful dishes that he was asked several times to cater an event. Bill loved bringing people together and, being the Italian that he was, food was his labor of love.
Bill was a hands-on dad to three amazing sons, Bill, Michael & Noah, who he loved so dearly. Throughout their years growing up, you would find Bill coaching floor hockey games, volunteering at school functions, enjoying golf outings, family beach days and sharing his favorite music with his sons. He and his “boys” would listen to hours of Steeley Dan and Donald Fagan albums while laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Much like he thought of fine cuisine, music was another way of bringing people together and he shared that love of music with his sons. They traveled to many concerts together – memories which will always be kept close to their hearts.
Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #3901 and made so many dear friends there, much too many to list, but they all know how much they meant to him. He held many positions at Council 3901 and it was a gathering place for many family events throughout his life. Through his years volunteering at the Council, he discovered another family of caring individuals who always reached out to those in need. His sons are grateful for all of the long-lasting friendships made there and appreciate your kindness.
Bill leaves behind his three sons, William F. Leonard IV (Rachael), “GPa” to their sons Ryder and Wyatt, Michael Leonard and Noah Leonard. He also leaves behind his beloved sisters, Mary Wood, Susan Kamm and Anne Tamiso (Rich). He was lovingly called “Uncle Bill” to several nieces and nephews on both the Leonard and Cummiskey sides of the family. There are many special times he shared with each of them which he always held close to his heart. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Leonard, his brothers, John Leonard and Michael Leonard, his brother-in-law, Andrew Kamm and his niece, Angela Ford.
Bill’s life will be celebrated with the love and music he shared with so many. A loving father, tender and kind, what a beautiful memory he left behind.
As in the Steely Dan song, “someday we’ll all meet at the end of the street at the Teahouse on the Tracks.”
Services will be held at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, CT on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family is asking that a donation be made to the Jonny Hackett Memorial Fund, and organization that was founded by Bill’s son’s dear friends, who tragically lost their child at the age of 3. This organization helps so many families throughout New England. For more information or to submit an online donation, please go to www. jonnyhackettmemorialfund.com, or you may send a donation made payable to the Jonny Hackett Memorial Fund c/o 50 Nautical Way, Plymouth, MA 02360.
