David Leonard

David Leonard, 71, died at home January 28, 2013 after a long entanglement with cancer. This occurred two weeks after he and his wife, Linda Wiltz acknowledged their 46th wedding anniversary. David is also survived by a daughter, Elisabeth Anne Leonard and husband, Adam Hill of California, son, Marc David Leonard, of Oregon, 3 grandchildren, Benjamin, Jaden and Kaia. He leaves behind brother, Richard and Shirley Anne Leonard, sister, Lucy and Larry Hill, all of Illinois as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  David was born in Rutland, Vermont although his father’s profession caused his family to move frequently. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University as a math major and went on to the Chicago Theological Seminary and was ordained a Methodist minister. It was there he met and married Linda Wiltz who was also studying for the ministry. It didn’t take David long in the parish ministry to deciede that the Methodist denomination was not a good fit for him and he became a Unitarian Universalist in the early 70’s. He served churches in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey and from 2002-2003 was interim minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Riverside Drive in Binghamton. His passions were photography, nature and trains. He was a Detroit Tigers fan. David loved animals, especially cats. A memorial service will be held 4:00 pm, February 28, 2013 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 183 Riverside Drive, Binghamton. Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to the Broome County Humane Society, 2 Jackson Street, Binghamton, NY 13903.