Leonard went to Heaven on August 21, 2016 to join his beloved Joanie, his wife of 55 years, whom he missed so much. He leaves behind his adoring daughter, Donna A. Ellsworth, who was holding his hand as he entered Paradise. His nephew, Peter A. Ellsworth, of Bedford, Massachusetts, and other loving family members and friends are also celebrating his life. Leonard joins in Heaven, his parents, Gilbert D. Ellsworth and Florence A. Ellsworth, his brothers, Ronald A. Ellsworth and Kenneth G. Ellsworth, and his sister, Barbara Ellsworth.

Leonard was born on September 5, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. He later moved to East Orange, New Jersey where he graduated high school in 1948. He married Joan Ann Snyder at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in East Orange on October 28, 1950 and then moved to Washington D.C. while he was stationed at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. Leonard served his country as a proud Marine from 1948 to 1952 and was honored to march in Harry Truman's Inauguration Day Parade. After his service, Leonard graduated from Upsala College in East Orange in 1955 and also attended NYU graduate school. After having their daughter in 1958, Leonard, Joanie, and Donna moved to Dunellen, New Jersey and lived there until 1976 when Leonard was transferred to Houston with Conoco. Leonard retired from Conoco after 29 years in 1993, having traveled the world, making many friends along the way.

Leonard was an accomplished violinist who loved classical music, adored the Packard automobile and all things Packard, was a Titanic historian, was a gourmet who loved to cook and enjoyed frequenting numerous restaurants, and was a great wine aficionado with a wine collection of several hundred bottles.

His generosity of spirit, friendship, humor, and love will be missed by many, especially his daughter, Donna.

I love you forever and always, Daddy Leonard. I know you have been welcomed home with open arms by Mommy Joanie. I miss my best buddy and am bereft without you but know you are watching over me.

God Bless you always.

A celebration of Leonard's remarkable life will take place at 2:00 PM at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Houston on Monday August 29, 2016.