ILION Kevin L. Leonard, age 56, of Ilion, NY passed away on Monday, October 10, 2011, following a long battle with lung disease in St. Lukes Medical Center, town of New Hartford. Son of the late Howard and Fay (Mabbitt) Leonard, he was born on October 23, 1953 in Ilion, New York. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Herkimer High School in 1972. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served for three years. He was honorably discharged in 1976. On July 9, 1977, he married the former Sandra Becker in the Herkimer Methodist Church. Kevins passions were listening to and discussing all things musical, as well as reading and sharing his favorite works by writers such as Mark Twain, John Irving and Richard Russo. Those closest to Kevin will remember him for his sense of humor, his love for cars (especially his Ford Mustang), and his devotion to those he loved. He is survived by Sandra Leonard, his wife of 34 years; a daughter, Kristin (Leonard) Leicht and her husband Alexander; granddaughter, Chloe all of East Meadow, NY. He is also survived by his father-in-law Quentin Becker; two brothers, Aaron and Terry Leonard; three sisters, Sally Pugia, Robin Brandon and Julie Leonard; and his two great friends and sister and brother-in-laws Sharon and Robert Dingman along with their children Timothy and Kimberly, as well as several other nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements with Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. will be private and at the convenience of the Family. There will be no calling hours.