Robert O'Donnell Leonard

Robert O'Donnell Leonard and his wife, Rose C. (Pepper) Leonard, husband and wife for more than fifty-eight years, died Friday, January 23rd , 2008 in Calabash N.C. Robert, the only child of Raymond and Helen V. (Couming) Leonard, attended Commerce High School and was a WW II Navy Veteran serving on the U.S.S. Chevalier. Robert then served on the Worcester Fire Department from 1949-1994 spending most of that time at the Webster Square Fire Station, Engine 5 and Ladder 4. Robert was a member of the Knights of Columbus Alhambra Council and the Worcester Men of Song. He was also one of the founding members of the award winning Haystack Four Barbershop Quartet. An avid golfer and a member of Pine Ridge Golf Course in Leicester and Brunswick Golf Course in N.C., Robert shot his first hole-in-one on August 4, 2000 on the 16th hole of the Calabash Golf Course in N.C. He was an active member of VFW 7288 in North Carolina, and served as Commander during the 2002-2003 expansion and renovation. He later remained involved as Post Trustee. Rose was the oldest daughter of Joseph and Rose (Beatrice) Pepper. She attended Calvin Coolidge High School in Shrewsbury and began nursing before finding her forte in business as a salesperson for the Holiday Inn, Harding Glass, and Mass Glass. She was very active in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees for the Salvation Army for many years. She was also an avid golfer at the Pine Ridge Golf Course in Leicester and Brunswick Golf Course in N.C. Upon retirement to North Carolina Rose became a member of the Brunswick Bells, later the Lady Birds golf league. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Carolina Shores Mahjong Group. After retiring, Rose continued helping people as a tutor for the Jessie Mae Monroe Elementary School in North Carolina for several years. She was named Auxiliary President of the Year, for two consecutive years by the State of North Carolina for her work in the VFW Post 7288, Ladies Auxiliary. Rose and Robert were an exceptional and dynamic team. They were the only husband/wife to simultaneously serve the VFW Post 7288. Robert and Rose leave three children and their spouses: Lawrence and Mary Leonard of Shrewsbury, Helen Poirier and Paul Poirier of Auburn, , Staci Leonard and Elizabeth Berkeley of Goffstown, NH; five grandchildren Matthew Leonard, Luke Leonard, Kathryn Ferrie, Nathaniel Leonard and Joseph Poirier; and five great-grandchildren. Their son, Robert P. Leonard, preceded his parents in death in 2006. Rose is also survived by two sisters, Carmella Fanning of Auburn, MA and Virginia Stellato of Williamsburg VA and a brother Joseph Pepper of California. The funeral for Robert and Rose will be held Friday, January 30th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a mass of celebration at 10:00 a.m. in St John Church, 44 Temple St. Burial will follow in Mt. View Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Thursday, January 29th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center, 2222 South 17th St. Wilmington, NC. 28401.