Arthur G. Leonard

Arthur G. Leonard, 74, of Middletown, RI and formerly a long-time resident of Cumberland, RI, passed away Christmas Day, December 25, 2015 following complications from heart surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. He was surrounded by family.Born in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late Arthur L. and Mary A. (Curran) Leonard, brother of George M. Leonard of Gulfport, FL and Patricia (Leonard) Isserlis (deceased). Arthur graduated with Honors from De LaSalle Academy (1959) in Newport, RI and earned a full scholarship to Providence College (1963) where he graduated with a business management degree. He was the loving husband of Kathleen (Grant) Leonard for the last ten (10) years. Before that he was the husband of Kathleen (McKinnon) Leonard for thirty-nine (39) years; she predeceased him in 2002. Out of this loving marriage, he had, and is survived by five children and sixteen grandchildren. Arthur's five children are: Arthur J. Leonard Esq. and his wife Sheila Leonard, of East Greenwich, RI, Daniel P. Leonard and his wife Theresa Leonard, of Marlton, NJ, daughter, Kathleen M. (Leonard) Rubino and her husband Robert Rubino, of Mansfield, MAMatthew J. Leonard Esq. and his wife Natalie Leonard, of Barrington RI, and John P. Leonard and his wife Julie Leonard of Cumberland, RI,He also leaves behind sixteen cherished grandchildren: Arthur "A.J." , Shannon, Dawson, and Harrison Leonard; Kathleen and Daniel Leonard; Elizabeth, Caroline, Laura, and Kathleen "Kate" Rubino; Matthew and Lauren Leonard; John "Jack," Joseph, Grace, and Patrick Leonard. Papa's jokes will live on for another generation.He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Meredith Rita Leonard.Starting his career during the infancy of Almac's Supermarkets, he rose to become Executive Vice President. In 1983, he was offered greater opportunities in the food brokerage business working for various firms and finally retiring from Acosta Sales and Marketing in 2011. Arthur worked hard to provide a good life and numerous opportunities for his five children. He was an active member of the St Joan of Arc Parish Council and numerous tennis leagues at Fore Court Tennis Club. After his retirement, he moved back to Aquidneck Island and became involved in local activities. He enjoyed being: a board member and volunteer docent at the Museum of Newport Irish History, a tour guide at Fort Adams State Park, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, a board member of the Bay Ridge Condominiums and a volunteer at St. Lucy's Church Soup Kitchen. He loved his loyal and adoring dog "Murphy", a handsome Wheaten Terrier who kept him active with trips to the beach and walks around Newport. Arthur was a devote Catholic who set a great example of how to live his faith. He was an excellent listener, hard worker, inquisitive, dedicated, and compassionate man. He will be remembered by all with nothing but love and friendliness to those he met. His ability to recall facts, places and family relationships of people he had come across in his lifelong journey often delighted many a person. Arthur was an exceptional role model, father and proud grandfather, where family and religion came before anything else. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. in St. Lucy Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, RI. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, West Wrentham Road, Cumberland, RI.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Lucys Church Soup Kitchen, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842-6351. Cemetery Details Resurrection Cemetery 258 W. Wrentham Road Cumberland, RI, Visitation DEC 29. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service DEC 30. 09:00 AM St. Lucys Church 909 West Main Road Middletown, RI, US, 02842