John Leonard, 1950-2010

19-Aug-10 – John Leonard, a fixture in 42nd Ward politics and a long-time Marina City resident, died Thursday morning, the condo association at Marina City confirms. (Left) 2003 photo of John and Donna Leonard.

Leonard died at about 7:45 a.m. at a hospice in the Chicago area. He had bladder cancer, a condition that was not discovered until he returned to Chicago in April after suffering a stroke in January while on vacation in Las Vegas.

According to a family friend, surgery for the cancer was not possible due to the stroke. Meanwhile, Leonard was undergoing rehabilitation at a facility in Chicago.

Born on February 2, 1950, John J. Leonard Jr. and his wife, Donna, had a 26-year-old daughter, Maureen. Donna Leonard is currently president of Marina Towers Condominium Association and Maureen is on the board of directors. He also had four brothers and three sisters.

Leonard was a lawyer, admitted to practice in 1981, and a Certified Public Accountant. He was very active in 42nd Ward politics, a precinct captain for many years and seen as a poll watcher as recently as last November at the 27th precinct polling place located at Marina City.

He lived 34 years at Marina City and was on the MTCA board himself for about 12 years, serving as president from 1989 to 1991 and vice president from 1992 to 1999.

“John fought a strong battle,” read a memo to residents from the condo association. “He will always be remembered for his wit as well as his kind and gentle manner.”

A memorial service will be held on August 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 1500 South Michigan Avenue. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the Leonard family is requesting a donation to: John J. Leonard Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Saint Rita of Cascia High School, 7740 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620.