Harry M. "Mark" Leonard, Jr. Obituary (1946

Harry M. Mark Leonard, Jr., 78, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024, at Fairhaven Healthcare, Lowell. He was the beloved husband of Karen E. (Laycock) Leonard with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He was born in Lowell on July 8, 1946, and was the son of the late Harry M., Sr. and Elizabeth (Roscoe) Leonard. Mark was raised in the Pawtucketville neighborhood of Lowell, and graduated from Lowell High School in 1964. He attended Lowell Technological Institute for one year and enlisted in the Marines in February of 1966. He spent two years at Camp Pendleton, served proudly in Vietnam in the 3rd Marine Division, and was discharged on Thanksgiving Day 1968. Mark graduated from the University of Lowell 72 and enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard, serving in the 26th Yankee Infantry Division retiring as a Major in 1995 after a 30+ year combined military service filled with several commendations. His commitment to the military continued in his professional career as a planning manager for Sanders-Lockheed-BAE. He supported the SR-71 Blackbird and other systems modernization projects. Mark enjoyed an active Masonic career, starting with the Lowell DeMolay Chapter in 1962, then becoming a member of Pentucket Lodge AF & AM in 1969. He would later serve in various roles including Master of the Lodge 1982-84 and District Deputy Grand Master 2017-18. Mark loved spending time with family and friends, supported his sons in Boy Scouts, volunteered in numerous charitable community events, and wrote as a hobby historian. In addition to his loving wife, Mark leaves son David and his wife Daniela of Carmel, NY, with two grandchildren Nicholas and Juliana; son John and his wife Hilary of St. Paul, MN; brother Stanley Roscoe (Mary); sister Bonnie Jean; niece Chrissy OBrien (Leonard); niece Elizabeth Moody; and nephew Clayton. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4-8 pm with a Masonic service at 7 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. His funeral service will be held on Friday, July 19 at 11 am at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, 242 Main St., North Chelmsford. Kindly gather at the church. Interment will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Lowell Masonic Building Association, 79 Dutton St. Lowell, MA or to the Disabled American Veterans at dav.org. Service Details Visitation When July 18, 2024 4:00pm - 8:00pm Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Funeral Service When July 19, 2024 11:00am Location West Chelmsford United Methodist Church Address 242 Main Street NORTH CHELMSFORD, MA 01863