Roland R. Leonard
1931 – 2011
Webster, Ma – Roland R. Leonard, 79, died peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving family.
He leaves his beloved wife, Darlene C. Leonard; his children, Rodney Leonard & his wife Linda, Rebecca Leonard, Alan Leonard & his wife Julie West, Katherine Leonard & her husband David Delk, Ralph Leonard & his wife Keri, eleven grandchildren, Christine Therrien, Milton Morse, Kimbery Gadbois, Matthew Morse, Amanda Leonard, Michael Leonard, Dagny Leonard, Ethan Leonard, Maddox Leonard, Dylan Delk, Reese Leonard; four great-grandchildren, Abigail, Molly, Hailey and Lily; his nephew Scott Dimick & his wife Gail, and many close friends.
He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of Ralph & Lois Leonard. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Wilkes University and was a graduate of the Harvard Business School. He held many executive positions at Joy Manufacturing Company, Ingersoll Rand Corporation, and for the last twenty-five years has been the owner and CEO of Numa Tool Company located in Thompson, CT.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Roland’s family on Monday, March 7, 2011 from 5pm-8pm at the Thompson Congregational Church, 347 Thompson Road, Thompson, CT. His memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the Thompson Congregational Church at 11:00am followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roland’s memory to the Thompson Congregational Church. Gilman Funeral Home is assisting with his arrangements. For memorial guestbook, visit www.GilmanAndValade.com
Virginia Lenox
Our prayers are with all of you.
Roughly 7 years ago I was brought on to join the NUMA team and I can recall my first lunch with Rollie and Ralph. As they scarfed down a subway sandwich, they were hitting me with questions from both sides. Before I knew it they were both done eating and I had only take two bites! But I knew that day that I had joined an awsome company and would be working with some great people.
Rollie always knew the right time to give you encouraging words and that I will always remember him for. He will be deeply missed.
Tony Franculli
I have spent half of my life working for Rollie. In that time I have earned many of his infectious smiles but also some stern lectures. Some of those lectures were from choices made in my personal life that had no effect on Numa. Rollie was a father figure to many of us. He not only cared about us as employees but as people as well. I respect and admire him more then any man I have ever known. I will miss him dearly.
JoAnn Kass
Rebecca,
We were so sad to hear of your dad’s passing. Please accept our deepest and most sincere sympathy for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Love,
JoAnn, Steve & Joel
Robert Vincent
I can be a bit of a cynic, I have found only a few men to whom I can give my complete admiration. Men throughout history who have exhibited complete honesty, absolute integrity, unmitigated work ethic, and a fully positive attitude. Those who have made a “can do” approach to life a daily reality, and have it all tied together with a heart of gold.
Rollie is one of these men.
I will miss you daily… remember you always.
Donna Aird
Rod, Linda and family…………….I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you now and always.
Love, Donna
Rene J. Morin
It is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since I met Rollie. When he first came to Numa I knew immediately that this was a man I wanted to work for. Rollie always made the job both interesting and challenging but most of all he made it fun. Rollie had a profound effect on my life and I learned many things from him. I will always remember His thunderous laugh and His saying ” make it happen”. Rollie You will be deeply missed.
My condolences to all of the family.
Milton Morse
With great sorrow I am sending this to each of you in the Leonard family. It is not easy to let go and to move through this experience. It is still raw for me. Rollie, Dad, was such a good man who lead so many in this life. He did not have to but his character, his integrity, his faith in people, and his love made it easy to follow his advice and wisdom. I still think of him when I have to make a decision. What would Rollie do or say. I have fallen short of his ideals but because he held no judgment of others his example will leads us forward without his physical presence.
What more can a Man do in this life. He will always be with us as my father is still with me. Peace and Love to all of you. I am grateful today and with tears of sorrow I send my deepest sympathy’s.
Milt
Laurene Darling
My condoleces to the family. A sad goodbye to such a wonderful, kind person. We didn’t just work for Rollie Leonard, he truly cared about his employees. A generous, kind man, he will be missed by many but certainly never forgotten. He was so proud of where he had taken NUMA Tool Company – and he had a right to be, what a great accomplishment!
Christine Tkacik
Rollie was a great man. He shared so much of himself with everyone he came into contact with, everybody you talk to has a personal “Rollie” story. He knew that there was a time to work and a time to play, and boy did he ever play! He was truly concerned if you had a problem and would do everything he could to help. He guided people to think for themselves and make the right decisions. He was a mentor and a friend to all. I will never stop appreciating all of the knowledge and opportunities he has given me personally. I have learned a lot in the past 9 years and he will be greatly missed, but he will always be in our hearts.
Neal Kuszewski
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Leonard Family for your loss.
For the past 25 years, I was fortunate enough to work with Rollie, a man who saw more in me than I ever did myself. The true impact he had on my life CAN be put into words, but it would not leave room for anyone else to share their thoughts. He always took the time to “educate me” on life, as he was not just an Employer, but a true friend.
I will miss him dearly, and he will never be forgotten!
Janine Valles Solomon
I am blessed and honored to have known Rollie for over thirty years. I am grateful for his kindness and gentle guidance over the years. I will miss him deeply. God bless you Darlene, Katherine, Ralph, Rod, Alan, Rebecca, and all the grand and great-grandchildren. All my love, Janine
JUDY HERNDON
My thoughts and prayers go out to Rollie’s family and his extended work family. Rollie was a very class act and was very much respected throughout our industry. May God be with each of you and comfort you during this time of loss. God Bless You!
Ann & Brian Sutor
Rebbeca, We are so sorry for your loss. We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing your Dad. Please extend our deepest sympathy to your dear Mother.
Luv Ann & Brian
Ann & Brian Sutor
Rebecca, we are so sorry about your father’s passing. We didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him, but did meet your beautiful mother many times. Please extend our deepest sympathy to her and the rest of your family.
Luv Ann & Brian
Ernie Lambert
I have worked for Rollie from the very beginning of Numa Tool. He was an inspiration to me and I admired him very much. He will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family.
William Layhue
Over the past years, Roland has not only been a business partner but a friend. Roland’s trust and integrity are unmatched.
My family, wife and I will miss his friendship, honesty and candor. We are keeping the Leonard family in our prayers.
Bill Layhue and Family
Thara Pillai
To The Leonard Family,
I only had the opportunity to meet Mr. Leonard on a few occasions, but it was very evident that he was not only the anchor of his family but an inspiration and role model to so many people.
I’m sure his passing will not only be felt by the Leonard clan but the greater community.
Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with all of you.
Thara, Joel, and Nadia
Donna Wojciechowski & Gary Williams
Dear Darlene, Rebecca, and Family,
It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Rollie. He was a man that we always looked forward to having a conversation with. Always enlightening and charming!! You were very lucky to have such a spouse/father. Please accept our deepest sympathy Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With heartfelt sympathy, Donna Wojciechowski and Gary Wiliams
Arlene Tedesco
Darlene,
I am sorry for your loss.
your friend from the Putnam Heights Apple Orchard stand –
ArleneTedesco