Memories of Richard "Rich" Leon

In memory of

Richard "Rich" Leon

Glenville, NY

February 27, 1952 - July 18, 2021

Feb 27, 1952 - Jul 18, 2021

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Linda Eisenhauer

I loved R Leon. So so sad.

Linda Eisenhauer Bolger

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Linda Eisenhauer

Shared a heart

Steve Eisenhauer

It is so heartwarming to see the photos and read the reflections of Rich. I only knew of his passing a few days ago when I did a search for him. Although I haven't seen Rich or Susie since high school, I have such fond memories of both of them, but especially Rich since we spent so much time together (always outdoors!) doing stuff with nature and sports. The two of us once rode our bikes (we were in about 7th grade I imagine) to Glassboro when President Johnson and the Russian leader met at "Holly Bush". What a ride and experience for two grade-schoolers (I got some real sunburn on the ride!). To see he's led such a rich life makes me so happy but incredibly sad that he's gone. My sincere condolences to Susie and his kids. I wish we could have reconnected later in life, but I nevertheless greatly appreciate the time I was able to spend with him. I'm a better person for having him as a friend in my youth.

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Todd Milano

2023, Williams Grove Flea Market Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania

Proud to be the new caretaker of Mr. Leon's books pertaining to Bottle Openers

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Korrin Dougherty

As a kid I believed the Leon’s house was just magical . I remember walking under mr Leon’s towering sunflowers. My chin raised up as my face felt the warmth of the sun filtered through the petals. I raised my hands out to feel the fuzzy stalks as I walked down the row of 🌻 I was convinced I was Alice in this amazing wonderland.... I am almost 40 and I still feel that way when I drive by that house. I am so grateful for Mr Leon. He created a welcoming space where magic was not only possible but real.

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Nancy Murray

To Susie & the Leon Family

If asked to describe Rich in one word, it would be exuberant. Although it’s been many years since I had seen him Susie, the family stories you shared during our times together speak of a loving & devoted husband, father & grandfather who loved having fun. I think Jimmy Buffett’s growing older but not up lyrics we’re written with Rich Leon in mind.
We re sending our best thoughts to you all. We hope fond memories ease the grief a bit. Nancy, Steve & Jenny Murray

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Pam and Guy Stearns

The things which stick with me most about Rich are his devotion to Susie and his family, his great sense of humor and his caring way. Due to distance, Pam and I were not able to spend as much time with Rich as we would have liked to over the years but I always looked forward to seeing and talking to him. Rich was always there for Ben, Matt, and Holly as they grew into the beautiful adults that they are today and I always strived to be the same kind of dad that he was. Pam and I loved every movie that Rich recommended to us and shared his love of Springsteen! Rich, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

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Julie Roach

So many childhood memories come to mind when I think about Mr. Leon. His kind, calming presence, his radiant smile, but most of all his singing! There was always a song to be sung and the world was a happier place because of it.
Mrs. Leon, Ben, Matt & Holly, I am so very sorry and hope, with time, you are able to find some comfort and peace in the wonderful memories you all hold.

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Patty Seeberger Moses

Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Mr and Mrs Leon graciously invited me a Reba McEntire concert when Holly and I were in middle school. Little did they know they would have an additional guest at many more country concerts for years to follow. My love of country music started with the Leon’s, grew with Holly and the many road trips and experiences we shared, and continues to this day ! I often hear songs that remind me of our many country music festivities together. I cherish every one of those concerts the Leon’s took me to💕
Mr Leon was always so kind, calm and welcoming. His dry, so so intelligent sense of humor is still my favorite kind to this day. The Leon’s home was another home for me growing up and Mr Leon was always sure to keep us warm with the wood burning stove especially after our sledding ventures behind Woodland School. I’ll always remember the beautiful sunflowers and the ZIP LINE in the back yard too. My heart is broken for Holly, Matt, Ben, Mrs Leon, your whole family and all of us. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the world. He absolutely impacted my life 💕💕💕

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Patty Seeberger Moses

Tara Martin Lange

1999, Barrington, NJ, USA

The first story that comes to mind when I think of Mr. Leon is from a summer day in the late 90s. Holly & I were looking for seasonal employment and figured we’d start on the main street in our home town. One of our stops was The Old Rail Tavern. After we were informed by the bartender that we were too young to work there, we stepped back out into the daylight to find none other than Holly’s Dad sitting in his truck at the red light! The 3 of us, deer in headlights, stared at each other and waved slowly. Holly & I wondered what he thought he saw - 2 teenagers having some beers in the middle of town, in he middle of the day?! When we got back to the Leon’s house, he said, “so girls, how was you day….” in his dry tone, & that was that.

My heart goes out to Holly & the whole family. You are lucky to have had him in your corner, and so are we. 💙

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Patty Seeberger Moses

Peggy Cooley

I met Rich at age 15, when he came to visit Susie. At first I thought he was annoying, but he grew on us all because we knew he was devoted to her. I would watch him on the basketball court with his masterful dribbling along side Wayne Grear. No 24-second clock in those days! I would sit in the stands with Susie and Carol Padgett Grear to watch them control the game. After he finished work at the pizza parlor he would bring us the leftovers-I always thought he was crazy to ruin a good pizza with hot pepper flakes! Fast forward to middle age, when he and Susie both retired, pulled up stakes and moved to Glenville for their next stage of life. How brave to go somewhere when all you knew were Matt and Adrienne. He dove into volunteering in his new home. Still read newspapers and cut out newspaper articles he thought would interest his loved ones. Worked outside on his woodpile and dug gardens for their veggies and flowers. And all the time he hummed. Was it ever a tune or just a melody in his head? I will miss that. No one could ever think up a rejoinder or quip faster than Rich, but Matt and Ben are fast behind. I enjoyed reading other people's memories of him, but I will miss most the way he could bring a smile to my sister's face.

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Patty Seeberger Moses

On most evenings if you went to the Leon’s house you would often find Mr & Mrs Leon snuggled up on the couch together. I always thought this was so cute growing up. Depending on the time of year they would be in front of the wood burning stove or outside on their great big back porch. I have so many wonderful memories of Mr Leon. He was a great story teller, always joking and laughing and we had the best time when he took Holly and a bunch of our friends to Punkin Chunkin - He had the best orange pumpkin helmet hat! The Leon’s always welcomed their home to all of their children’s friends and I will forever cherish my time spent there with them growing up.

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Comments:

Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Love this picture and memory! 💕 Love this picture and memory! 💕 Love this picture and memory! 💕

Eileen C. Holcombe

We sat at many a baseball game together watching our children play ball and giving them money for "the stand". Our condolences to Susie and all thee family.
Rich always made me laugh. He and Susie were a joy to be around.
Buddy & Eileen Holcombe
Barrington, NJ

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Colleen Cooke

So sorry to hear of his passing. We never met, but are dear friends of Holly and her family. His legacy lives on through her and their beautiful children. Sending love and light.

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Susan Josephs

Sending prayers to Susie and her family; such a love story you had…….

Fondly,
Susan Trotenberg Josephs (HMHS class of 1970)

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Cheryl and Don Harris

Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Comments:

Cheryl and Don Harris

2019 Becca & PJ's Wedding at Whiteface Hollow, Tamworth, NH with the love of his life 2019 Becca & PJ's Wedding at Whiteface Hollow, Tamworth, NH with the love of his life 2019 Becca & PJ's Wedding at Whiteface Hollow, Tamworth,... Read more

Cheryl and Don Harris

2012, Webster Springs, WV, USA

Emily and Wes' Wedding Reception

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Drew Burns

2000, Haddon Heights, NJ, USA

He was the funniest guy and greatest uncle through childhood, but will never forget when he won the 50/50 at Heights basketball game and threw a stack of ones raining down on the Garnet Crazies.

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Tim Conver

I am so grateful that Rich was an integral part of that unique experience of being a high school teammate.
I can still see that glint in his eye when he knew it was only the two of us who were aware of the oft times devilish nuances and subtle barbs that were underlying the various “discussions” being held by our fellow hoopsters!
And the way you just knew he was really happy to see you when we would see each other in the years after dear HMHS.
Rich - a solid, sweet, good man.
You are in my prayers, Susie ❤️

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Lauren Ruef (Cramer)

Al McDonald

To Sue and the rest of the Leon family

I was so sorry to hear the news about Rich. He was a great man and he truly loved his family. I enjoyed coaching baseball with him back in the day when the kids were much younger. He was always fun to be around and very quick witted.

Prayers to all of you

Sincerely Al McDonald

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