William Leo "Bill" Leonard

Mr. William Leo "Bill" Leonard of Mount Pleasant, SC passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024. He was 95. His life story reflects dedication, service, and a love for family. Quite simply, he lived the Marine motto “Semper Fidelis” – ‘always faithful.’

The eldest son of Joseph A. and Lillian E. Leonard, Bill was born in Newark, NJ on May 8, 1929. He grew up happily in the small town of Nutley NJ, fondly recounting memories of adventures with friends, delivering newspapers on his bike as a kid, and going to dances at the ‘Y’ as a teen.

Bill met his wife of 62 years Ann on a double-date in 1951. He graduated from Fordham University the same year with a B.S. degree in Banking and Finance. However, the business world would have to wait.

The Korean War was on. The Army’s draft notice showed up… so he applied and was accepted into the Marines Officer Candidate Training Program and he was off to Paris Island SC for training that summer of 1951. Bill and Ann married in 1952. Stationed in Camp Lejeune in 1953, he expected to be shipped overseas but life took an unexpected turn. Emergency lung surgery led to his honorable discharge. He returned to civilian life, continued in the Marine Reserves, and began a 40-year career in accounting/auditing.

Working with the US government and then the State of NY, career-advancement moves took him to Virginia, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts. He took his work seriously, was successful, but was also dedicated to his family and family life. He greatly enjoyed listening to music, keeping up with politics, the stock market, and fixing anything that needed to be fixed.

Bill and Ann shared a lifetime of memories together. Their legacy lives on through their children Kathy Consigli (husband Rick Sebastian) and Steve Leonard (wife Laurie), as well as their grandchildren Adam Consigli, Michael Consigli (wife Rose), Kara Consigli (husband Fred), Chad Leonard (wife Brittany), Drew Leonard, and great-grandchildren Archer Consigli and Gianna Consigli.

Bill is preceded in death by Ann Leonard, his brother Robert Leonard, and sister Lillian Dalton.

A Memorial Service is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Franke at Seaside, 1885 Rifle Range Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.