He loved to fly and owned several single engine airplanes
Published April 29, 2021
NORTH READING — Everett F. Leonard, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on April 21, 2021.
Everett was born in Pomfret, Vermont, to Richard and Marietta (Billings) Leonard. Everett was a graduate of Woodstock Union High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of St. Louis. He honorably served his country as a Radio Operator on a C-119, “The Flying Boxcar,” in the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1952.
After working at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Everett returned to the New England area to work at AVCO Everett Research Lab, later Textron Systems, as a Flight Test Engineer and Manager, working on several projects, including the B1 Bomber
Everett was a resident of North Reading for 60 years. He was a charter member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, was President of the North Reading Little League, coach of several youth baseball teams and was supportive of many other local organization
A devoted husband and father, Everett is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Molly (Jerger) Leonard, his son Jim and partner Sarah, his daughter Marianne and his beloved granddaughter Samantha.
Everett was one of six Leonard boys including his surviving brother Rodney Leonard, and the late Richard Leonard, Gordon Leonard, Wendall Leonard and Ronald Leonard. Everett was extremely proud of all his family members, including many cherished nieces and nephews.
He loved to fly and owned several single engine airplanes, and to the delight of his children and family members, he would take them flying often. Everett played tennis into his 80s and enjoyed other activities such as hiking, skiing, canoeing, camping and taking trips all over the country in the family RV. He also enjoyed the companionship and competitiveness of a local bridge group. Everett’s family referred to him as Mr. Fix-it as he was often building, renovating, constructing – doing anything necessary around the house.
Relatives and friends attended visiting hours on Monday, April 26 at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27 at the Riverside Cemetery on Rose Hill Road in Woodstock, Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, Everett requested memorial contributions be made in his name to one of the following: The Woodstock Union High School Scholarship Fund. Checks should be made payable to WUHSMS, note “Everett F. Leonard Scholarship Donation” in the memo field on the check and send to the attention of Julie Dupont at WUHSMS, 100 Amsden Way, Woodstock, VT 05091; the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Reading (www.aldersgateumcnr.org) or to a charitable organization of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. To leave an online message of condolence, visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
