Francis M. Leonard

Francis M. Leonard, 84, of De Pere, Wisconsin, died at his home on October 13, 2018. The cause of death was cancer. He was born in New York, New York on December 3, 1933 to the late Elizabeth O’Donnell Leonard and Frank M. Leonard.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen Noonan Leonard and daughter, Grace Noonan Leonard, both of De Pere. He is further survived by his son, John J. Leonard and daughter, Melissa A. Leonard, both of New York.

Francis graduated from Villanova University in 1955. He studied Law at St. John’s University School of Law, Brooklyn, New York where he received a JD in 1958. He entered the United States Navy, where he served as Lieutenant from 1958 to 1966.

He practiced law in New York City for nearly 40 years at the Consolidated Edison Company where he was Assistant General Counsel. In his work, he tried thousands of cases in court including steam explosions, electrocutions, electric explosions and accidents involving electricity, gas or steam. He also did the legal work and tried the cases in court for the New York City blackouts in 1965, 1977 and 1986. In addition, he tried thousands of cases involving asbestos.

Francis was a member of the New York State Bar Association, Navy League, Trial Lawyers of America and St. Norbert College Parish.

Francis was a voracious reader of history and biography books. He has a collection of over 1,000 books in his personal library. He has read every book!
He was an avid fan of the Packers, a supporter of St. Norbert College Basketball and Villanova University.

Very special thanks to close family friend, Nikki Zerjav, for her infinite and unending love, support and help from the very beginning. Thanks also to Nikki’s husband and sons. Gratitude and appreciation to dear friends Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem, Lisa and McKim Boyd, Sandy and Roger Melroy, Diana and Jim Grasee, Gerry Woelfel, Frank Mattia, Gary Debauche and many others for their friendship, visits and prayers.
In addition, deep thanks to loyal friends who traveled from New York to Green Bay to visit Francis while he was ill, expressing their friendship and gratitude to him, Bob Albano, Joe Kenny and Doug McKay.

A private funeral Mass was held at Allouez Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum. Entombment is at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum. In the near future, a gathering of friends will be held to remember and celebrate the life of Francis, a great man. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the family with arrangements. A Memorial Fund has been established for “Exceptional Equestrians”.

The family is forever grateful to all caregivers of Green Bay Oncology at St. Vincent’s and St. Mary’s Hospitals. Special thanks to Drs. Burnette, Ryan and Bodvarsson who possess the perfect combination of expertise and compassion. Thanks also to all nurses and staff for their remarkable skill and kindness. We will be forever grateful to the very special people of Unity Hospice. The nurses and caregivers give amazing care with dignity and kindness for their patients.

To Francis’s treasured friend, Fr. James Neilson, O. Praem, who called him, “Buddy” boundless gratitude, appreciation and love. You changed his life. We thank you, with love, always, M&G.