Leonard R. Park, 76, of Rossville, IN, went peacefully home to Jesus in the early morning of November 17, 2019, at his home after a long battle with a genetic blood disease known as HHT. We prayed for his healing and The Lord answered with his total healing and wholeness now with The Lord Jesus.
Leonard was born to Avery and Irene Park on May 3, 1943, in Bellows Falls, VT. He was the little brother to Avery “Junior,” and they were lifelong best friends. Leonard was raised by his Aunt and Uncle, June and Harold Wright. June and Harold also raised another cousin, Cheryl, who he always called his sister-cousin. He called his two wonderful “moms” Mum Irene and Mum June. This extended loving family later relocated to Freeville, NY. He attended and graduated from Dryden High School in 1962. After graduating, he then attended Wilkes-Barre Business College.
In 1965, he married Sarah “Sally” Olds of Freeville, NY, and they went on to have two children, Lonnie (Leonard II) and Audette. They also have a third child already in Heaven. Most of their 54 years of marriage they resided in the Freeville/Dryden area of NY. In 2009, they retired and relocated to Rossville, to be near Audette and her family.
Leonard was a driven hard worker throughout his careers both as a dedicated employee and as an independent entrepreneur. He began and ended his professional career at Cornell University. In his 20’s, he was recruited as Vice President of General Sporting Goods in Lansing, NY, where he developed his skills in business. He was the owner/operator of Dryden Dry Cleaners in the late 70’s, operations manager at Panametrics, and purchasing agent for Monarch Tools in the 90’s. In addition to his business ventures, he also had a carpentry business with his brother, Avery. Prior to his 2009 retirement, he spent ten years as a Purchasing agent for CLASSE at Wilson Lab, Cornell University. This was his favorite position of all of those that he had worked. In his last days, he remarked on how much he loved that job.
After retiring, Leonard enjoyed spending his time buying and selling antiques and collectibles. In 2017, after being encouraged by his wife Sally, he realized his dream to own his own antique store and opened Leonard’s Antiques-Furniture-Flea Market in Rossville. He loved the workings of the store, but most of all, he loved the customers and friendships made in the community.
Leonard was a man of impenetrable faith and served in various roles – Deacon, Treasurer, and Trustee – at Dryden Baptist Church for 25 years. Throughout his life, he held an unwavering faith in God and exemplified God’s love to all of those around him. He was an amazing man who impacted so many people with his encouragement, wisdom, and infectious smile. He absolutely loved to engage with everyone he could and did so with genuine interest and concern.
His family will remember him for his contagious smile, true joy, and his love for coffee, Canasta, potato chips, and the New York Yankees. Along with his life instructions to make sure we earn our pay and always do our best, he taught the grandkids how to mow in straight lines, took fun trips to the Dollar Store or ice cream shop for treats, and always made creative birthday money boards. He enjoyed fishing at the pond with grandkids and taking hunting trips with his brother and son where they focused most on the donuts, candy bars and coffee – sometimes even forgetting the gun.
Leonard joins in Heaven his parents, Mum Irene & Avery Park Sr. and Mum June & Harold Wright; and his unborn child. He is survived by his wife, Sally; his brother, Avery (Barbara) Park, Freeville, NY; his children, Lonnie (Jody) Park, Freeville, NY, and Audette (Dan) Taylor, Rossville; his grandchildren, Nick Park, Fremont, CA, Dorian Park, Wilmington, NC, and Jacob, David, Sarah, Katie, and Karie Taylor, Rossville; his step-grandchildren, Melissa Ward, Albany, NY, and Courtney Ward, Charlotte, NC; nephew, Avery (Tammy) Park IV, NC; niece, Lynne (Sue) Park, ME; great nephews Garrett (Jordyn) Park, NC, and Adam Park, CO; and many loving Uncles, Aunts, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Dryden Baptist Church (138 Virgil Rd, Dryden, NY 13053) followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship. In lieu of flowers – donations may be made to First Assembly of God, 9835 W. US 421 N. Delphi, IN 46923 or Dryden Baptist Church, 138 Virgil Rd, Dryden, NY 13053 or to any organization of your choice. Thank you, we love you all.
Local arrangements are entrusted to Genda Funeral Home Rossville Chapel with online condolences directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.