Obituary of Gregory James Leonard

Grefory "Pops" Leonard

Gregory “Pops” Leonard, 74, passed away peacefully at St. Barnabas in Livingston on Tuesday, November 5^th. Greg was born in Orange, NJ to the late Robert and Elizabeth “Mary” Leonard. He was a lifelong resident of West Orange. As a young man, he was a main stay at Colgate Park playing baseball and basketball. He continued his athleticism in high school as a great basketball player at St. Benedicts. Graduating from there, he continued on to college. With his knowledge and skill, he eventually became a basketball coach teaching many of our kids. Loving all sports, especially college football and golf, he became a top tier caddy at Essex Fells Country Club and became friends with many of the members. Many knew Pops from him bartending at the Brook Tavern or eating wings at the Star Tavern. Greg worked at the County of Essex for many years and retired in 2013. Pops loved the beach and was an avid reader. Later in life, Greg loved wearing those flannel pajama pants all around town. He will sadly be missed by all.

“Pops” is survived by his sister-in-law Joanne Leonard (Collis), his niece Kelly Gyarmati and her husband Richard, his two nephews Stephen Leonard Jr. and his wife Jennifer and Jason Leonard and his wife Kait, nephew Tommy Lentz,two great-nephews Alexander and Maximillian, and two great-nieces Kaleigh and Scarlet. Greg is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Stephen “Lambie” Leonard, and his sister, Beth Lentz.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Monday, November 11, 2024 at the Dangler Funeral Home, 340 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052 from 12-3 pm. Funeral Service will start at 2:30 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the West Orange Elks, 424 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052.