Obituary of John Charles Leonard Jr.

John C Leonard Jr. John Charles Leonard Jr., however he preferred Jack, like President Kennedy, 85, of Pine Beach, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Jack battled with cancer for over 30 years and he would proudly say he never lost that battle, thanks in part to Drs. Silverstri, Jenrette and Shirai from MUSC Hollings Cancer Center in South Carolina and Dr. Strong from Memorial Sloan Kettering, NY. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Anne (Kelly) Leonard, and his children, Keith (Trish Schwartz) Leonard of Del Ray, Florida, John C (Karen Ward) Leonard III of Orlando, Florida, Gloria (Gil Alvarez) Leonard of Pine Beach, NJ, Anne Leonard of Manhattan Beach, California, Dianne (Richard "Ritty") Polhemus of Pine Beach, NJ, Robert Leonard, and Beth (Darius) Rucker both from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and his grandchildren Brooke (Michael Fennen), Breanna (Parker Smith) and Brandon Leonard, John C IV, Justin, Karli and Jared Leonard, Katherine (Katie), Victoria and Anthony (AJ) Alvarez, Matthew Goodrick and Alicia Hastey, Meghan, Emily and Allison (Alli) Polhemus, Cary, Daniela (Dani), and Darius John (Jack) Rucker and great grandchildren Dakota Thomas Fennen and Fox Harrison Smith. His loving dog Sophia and her sister Shula. He is preceded in death by his parents, John C (1973) and Mary E (1982), his sister Mary Gloria (1937) and his daughter JoEllen Leonard (1988) and his childhood friends John (Bubby) Grek (2004) and Frank Kisly (2012), and Dr. Harold Kelsey (2010). He was born on 11/7/30 at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, NJ, the son of Mary E (Dolan) and John C Leonard. Raised in Newark, he graduated from St. Benedict's Prep School in 1948. He then entered the military, where he was a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army training Paratroopers for the Korean War. After his military service, he attended night school at Seton Hall University and graduated in 1956. He met his wife, Anne Kelly, while working at Prudential and they married on April 21, 1956 in Keyport, NJ, this year was their 60th Anniversary, and yes dad it still counts. His 20 year career with Prudential took him and his family to Illinois, and Michigan before settling in 1964 in Middletown, NJ. In 1973, he moved his family to Pine Beach, NJ. Here he served as an adviser on several committees, and for the Police Department. He worked for several companies before retiring in 1992 as the Benefits Director for Bristol Myers Squibb. He was a member of the Disabled American Veteran's Chapter NJ 24 and the Knights of Columbus Council 3402. He had a passion for reading, and was knowledgeable on many subjects. Wherever he traveled he would spend time exploring the local libraries. He was known for his sweet tooth so family and friends would always keep him supplied with cookies, cakes and candies. He touched many lives along the way as people would seek him out for his help and advise. His greatest pleasure however was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed attending the grand-children's sporting events, school programs, and religious ceremonies. He took great pride in being there for all of their accomplishments. Visitation will be Tuesday 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 11 AM at St. Barnabas Church, Bayville, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Toms River, NJ. Donations may be made in Jack's name to: Hollings Cancer Center, ATTN: Kelly Warren, 86 Jonathan Lucas St., MUSC 955, Charleston, SC 29425.