Capt. Henry B. Leonardi, Sr., M.D.

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Celebrating the life of
Capt. Henry B. Leonardi, Sr., M.D.October 12, 1932 - August 16, 2015

SAVANNAH – Capt. Henry B. Leonardi, Sr., M.D., age 82, sailed away to Heaven on August 16, 2015. Henry died due to complications from his broken heart which never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife, Mary, nine months ago.

Henry was born October 12,1932 in Philadelphia, PA to Rosario and Lucia (Fazio) Leonardi, who emigrated from Sicily and worked to put their only child through parochial schools, private college, and medical school. Henry attended Villanova College, graduating in 1954 and Hahnemann Medical School.

Following his graduation from Hahnemann in 1958, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served as flight surgeon at bases in Erding, Germany and Toul-Rosieres, France. He was awarded the USAF Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement in 1961 for his tireless effort and professionalism after the Munich air disaster in December, 1960. Henry was one of the first responders at the disaster, and he spent long hours performing the aircraft accident autopsies. He received his honorable discharge from the military in 1969, after serving his residency in general surgery at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, NH and the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Junction, VT. He entered private practice in 1967 in Haverhill, MA. His brilliant career as a general surgeon spanned 33 years. His skillful hands and expertise saved or improved the lives of hundreds of residents of Haverhill and the surrounding area.

Just before his senior year, Henry struck up a conversation with a beautiful young lady he saw on the Villanova campus. Mary Lenna Coacher was an Immaculata College student taking summer classes there, and she caught his eye. Little did he know, she had her eye on him also. Thus began a love affair that lasted 59 years. Henry enjoyed the outdoors, and his favorite pastimes were playing tennis, skiing, and puttering around his house and yard. He taught himself how to sail, and he and Mary, his family and numerous friends had many adventures sailing along coastal Maine. Following his retirement in 2000, Henry and Mary moved from Haverhill to East Kingston, NH where they enjoyed their home and their wonderful neighborhood, and travelled to see their children and grandchildren.

His survivors include his children, Henry B. Leonardi, Jr. and his wife Cynthia Kellogg of Philadelphia, PA; Elizabeth and her husband John Wiseman III of Savannah, GA; Daniel and his wife Ana Leonardi of Richmond, CA; Joan and her husband Myron Monson of Kenmore, WA; eight grandchildren, Ann, Henry B. III; John IV, David; Alyssa, Mary; Brian and James; and a host of friends, colleagues and neighbors who will miss him very much. His dear friend Janet Buxton, R.N. was at Henry’s side when he went home to be with God and Mary. The family will be eternally grateful for her compassion and strength in their hour of need.

A private memorial service for family and close friends will be held in the near future in New England. The family suggests that any remembrances be made in his memory to the Seeds of Change Capital Campaign at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Savannah, GA.

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To the family, I was saddened to learn of his passing as well as the passing of Mary. I have many fond memories of sailing with both of them in the islands. I can imagine Henry singing opera to Mary in heaven. Mostly I will miss Mary's smile and Henry's good humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

- Ralph Viola, Fort Lauderdale , FL

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Leonardi's passing. His "skillful surgeon's hands" definitely made a huge difference in my life since 1989, after undergoing intestinal surgery at the Merrimack Valley Hospital. His professionalism and kind manner was appreciated. Although I hadn't seen him in many years, I thought of him often. I pray that his family and friends will find peace and comfort through your memories, and in knowing how many lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

- Mrs. Daryl Dolfe, East Hampstead, NH

I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your Dad. May you find peace knowing your parents are together in heaven. Prayers for all the Leonardi family.

- Jean Connelly Coady, Bradford, MA

I enjoyed working with Dr. Leonardi for many years. He will be missed by many. My sincere sympathy to your family.

- Helen Chase formerly of Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill , MA

Dear Danny, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Alison

- Alison Lewis Opolski, Haverhill, MA

I give my sympathy to the family and friends. I'm sorry for the loss of your dear love one. I know now is a difficult time to go through. May God comfort the family during this time. I hope you all can find comfort in John 5:28,29.

- CE, Sav, Ga

To the family of Hank Leonardi, I was deeply saddened to learn of your loss as well as the loss of Mary. I have many fond memories of both of them starting with my professional relationship with Hank at Hale Hospital and moving towards our skiing and sailing vacations. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

- Wanda Quatrale, Haverhill, MA

Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nick and Callie Samaras

- Nick and callie samaras, Atkinson, N.h.

I am the manager of Cedardale health and fitness in Haverhill, MA. As you probably know Hank was a member of Cedardale for several years. I had given Hank several lessons and arranged matches for him to play. On a few occasions years ago I gave him lessons at his home on a beautiful hair-tru court. Hank was always great. I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know that all who knew him at Cedardale thought highly of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Greg Herbert

- Greg Herbert, Haverhill, MA

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your siblings. Your parents are together again.

- Fitch Family , Villanova, PA