Leonard attended college at the University of Cincinnati.  After receiving his Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver.

Leonard was a director of Big Brothers of Cincinnati until 1967, at which time he was hired as the Executive Director of Family Counseling Agency (FCA) of Tucson.  As the Director of FCA, Leonard imagined, created, and implemented many ways to help families and vulnerable populations. Along with his dedicated staff, he started Divorce Recovery, senior support and homeless youth programs, helped to bring the United Way to Southern Arizona, and counseled thousands of families, groups, and individuals. 

After his retirement from the FCA in 1998, he went on to work for Las Familias, Counseling and Consulting Services, and as a court-appointed advocate for abused and exploited children.

He also continued to teach for the ASU School of Social Work MSW program, to mentor MSW students and young professionals, and to serve on local boards for organizations supporting families and building community resilience. Throughout his career he served on the National Council on Accreditation and helped accredit many vital human service agencies across the country.

He is preceded in death by his sister and a step-grandson. He is survived by his two daughters and one son, his two grand-daughters, his three Step –grandsons, and his five great-grandchildren.

Donations in his honor should be made to Our Family Services 2590 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712 or to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona 635 W. Roger Road, Tucson, Arizona 85705.