Donald E. Leonard

1932 – 2017

South Hadley – Donald E. Leonard, 85, of Pine Grove died Monday in Baystate Medical Center.  Don was born in Springfield, he spent the first 10 years of his life in a log cabin in Becket with no electricity or plumbing.  He was educated in a Becket school house with six grades in one room before graduating from Holyoke High School.  He then earned his tool design engineering degree from WNEC by taking night classes.  He started his career working for Hamilton Standard's School of Design, spent 20 years as United Engineer's Supervisor of Tool Design and retired as Smith & Wesson's Manager of Tool Design.  He was a Past Grand Knight of South Hadley's Knights of Columbus #1721 and Life member of the Archbishop Williams Assembly 4 ^th Degree.  He also was a Past Faithful Navigator, former District Deputy, member of the Degree Teams (3 ^rd & 4 ^TH ) and took part in Degrees from Quincy to N. Adams.  A life member of the Holyoke Elks Club, Don was also a Cub Master and Institutional Representative for Cub Pack #32 of South Hadley.  Don was an avid golfer, Past President, longtime member of the Board of Directors and Tournament Chairman for many years at the Holyoke Country Club.  He also belonged to the Orchards Golf Club.  His wife, of 59 years, Barbara A. (Wynn) Leonard died in 2010.  He leaves a son Marc Leonard and his wife Jean of Wilbraham; daughter Lynn A. Youmell and her husband Edward of Myrtle Beach; three grandchildren Daniel Leonard and Alison and Michael Youmell; a great grandson Owen Youmell; a brother John and his wife Maureen, sisters Joan Descant and Charlene O'Meara and her husband Michael; brother-in-law Edward Wynn and his wife Sandra and many nieces and nephews.  The funeral will be held at the Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, Saturday at 9:00am with Liturgy in St. Patrick's Church at 10:00am followed by burial in St. Rose Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be held Friday from 4:00 – 7:00pm.  For more details please visit curranobrien.com.