Eugene Leonard

Eugene “Gene” Leonard, 89, of Sharpsville, went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 11, 2026. He was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1936, to Stanley and Mary (Virostick) Leonard in Farrell, PA. Gene’s life was centered around his family and friends. He married Angeline “Angie” Vicario on July 30, 1960. They had 65 wonderful years together.

Over the years, Gene had several different careers. During his college years at California State University, his first job was working in the cafeteria, where he developed many of his cooking skills. In the summers, he worked in the printing room at the Sharon Herald.

After graduating from college, Gene began his teaching career in 1959 at Farrell School District as a shop teacher. Both as a student and later as a teacher, he was deeply involved in the basketball program, working alongside Ed McCluskey and contributing to numerous state championship teams. He later left Farrell to teach at Greenville High School, where he remained until 1976.

Following his teaching career, Gene founded his own business, Leonard Builders. He built two homes for his family — one in Clark and their most recent home in Sharpsville. He also built a home in Sharpsville for his mother and his brother, Tom.

Gene’s faith was of great importance to him. He spent numerous hours helping with the upkeep and maintenance of Notre Dame Parish. He also served as a lector and Eucharist minister. He belonged to the Cursillo Movement.

His wife predeceased him in November 2025. Surviving is his daughter, Diane (Alex) Pearson; and son Brian (Mellony) Leonard; four grandchildren, Alex (Barb) Pearson, David Pearson, Nicolette (John) McNaughton, and Kara Leonard. He also has two great-grandchildren, Simon and Micah Pearson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Mary Leonard; as well as his siblings Tom Leonard, Fran Moretti and Jerry Leonard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Buhl Park at https://buhlpark.org/give-back.

Calling hour will be 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday (05/13/2026) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Mass will immediately follow at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, in the church, with Rev. John Miller and Rev. Frank DiCristina, concelebrating.

Entombment: St. Rose Cemetery Mausoleum, Hermitage.

Arrangements entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.