Paul J. Leonard

AUSTINTOWN — Paul J. Leonard, 89, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, June 24, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Paul was born May 31, 1937, in Youngstown, a son of the late Joseph and Kathryn McMenamy Leonard, and was a lifelong area resident.

A 1955 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Paul attended Youngstown University for two years before entering the United States Army. He had hoped to complete his education through the GI Bill upon returning home, but those plans never came to fruition. Instead, Paul relied upon the values that would define his life — hard work, determination and faith — building a successful career in the automobile and trucking industry that spanned more than 60 years.

Paul possessed a remarkable work ethic and found purpose in staying busy. He believed in the value of hard work and remained active throughout his life, whether in his profession or in caring for those he loved. His determination, dependability and willingness to help others became hallmarks of the way he lived.

His Catholic faith served as the foundation of his life. A devoted member of St. Blaise Parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Paul faithfully served as an usher and rarely missed Sunday Mass. Dressed in his customary suit and tie, he looked forward to worshiping alongside his fellow parishioners. He prayed the rosary daily, remembered countless people in his prayers and often provided rides to Mass for those who were no longer able to drive. His faith was not simply something he practiced, but something he lived each day through kindness, generosity and service to others.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Paul cherished the traditions and values passed down through his family. Growing up as one of 10 children, he treasured the camaraderie and closeness that came with a large family. He continued the beloved Christmas Eve gatherings begun by his father, bringing together generations of family members to celebrate, laugh and create lasting memories.

His energy and determination remained with him throughout his life, and he continued riding his bicycle nearly five miles a day well into his 80s. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, tending to his yard and caring for his roses. An avid Cleveland Indians fan, Paul could often be found watching a game from the comfort of his easy chair. He enjoyed working puzzles, solving Sudoku and treating himself to Handel's ice cream. A lifelong automobile enthusiast, he especially cherished his Corvette and could always be counted on to talk cars with family and friends.

Above all, Paul was a devoted family man. He rarely missed the activities, sporting events and performances of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, willingly traveling near or far to support them. He was a fun man to be around, known for his contagious laugh, warm personality and genuine enjoyment of being with others.

Paul leaves to forever cherish his memory his two daughters, Patricia (Larry) Mealy of Liberty Township and Bonnie (Keith) Zuccala of Hilton Head, S.C.; five grandchildren, Jessica (Bill) Quittenton, Jeremy Davis, Jason (Jana) Davis, Zachary Zuccala and Lilly Charlotte Zuccala; five great-grandchildren, Emerie, Sullivan, Jason Paul Jr., Jocelyn and Kian; seven siblings, Joseph (MaryAnn) Leonard of Lake Milton, Tom (Lucy) Leonard of Niles, Kathleen Mears of Dayton, Bill (MaryAnn) Leonard of Niles, Dick (Sandy) Leonard of Fort Myers, Fla., Margaret Mary (Dave) Shellito of Columbia, S.C., and Robert Leonard of Niles; his devoted companion, Laura Lewis of Grove City, Ohio, who lovingly cared for him during the last few years of his life; and many extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Charlotte M. Lewis Leonard, whom he married Sept. 12, 1959, and who died March 28, 2022; and two brothers, Jerry Leonard and John Leonard.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the funeral home, where prayers will be offered at 10:30 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown.

A committal service with military honors will follow at Girard Liberty Union Cemetery, where Paul will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Charlotte.