SCHROON LAKE – Mark J. Leonard, 69, of Schroon Lake, passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at his home with his family by his side. Mark was born in Albany, the son of the late James J. and Emma Michela Leonard. He attended the Cathedral Academy and was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, class of 1969. He then earned an Associate’s Degree from Hudson Valley Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Siena College, class of 1973. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium in 1980, and a Bachelor and Masters of Arts in Religious Studies in the Diaconate Formation Program of the Diocese of Albany from 1995-2000.
Mark served as a teacher at The Academy of the Holy Names in Albany from 1974-1975, and at St. Peter’s High School in Saratoga Springs from 1975-1976. He served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Faith Formation Teacher from 1973-2000, and was ordained as a Deacon on October 7, 2000. He then served as a Deacon and Parish Life Director, and as Director of the Diaconate from 2013-2019 before being assigned as Parish Life Director at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Watervliet.
Mark was employed by the New York State Department of Correctional Services from 1981-2010. During that time, he worked as an officer, counselor, and Director of Ministerial, Volunteer and Family Services. Mark was responsible for all religious, family and volunteer programs for over 72,000 inmates, 200 chaplains of various faiths, and over 6,000 volunteers.
Mark enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved to travel throughout Europe and the U.S. and recently enjoyed a trip he planned to New Orleans with his family. He loved the outdoors and hiked many of the high peaks in the Adirondacks. He loved spending time with his family, his children, grandchildren and watching sunsets on Anna Maria Island. His passions included catholic ministry, studying religion in Belgium, and serving as director at Pyramid Lake (Marian Lodge). Mark had a positive impact on many individuals.
Mark married Eileen Williams in 1981, and she predeceased him in 2001. In 2009 he married Kimberlee Fagley, who survives him along with his children Victoria Fenichel, Ashley Tessier, Claire Miller (Nicholas), Marissa Leonard, and Matthew Wyland (Anna); his grandchildren Logan and Zoe Fenichel; his siblings Mary S. Leonard, and Ann Louer (David); and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was also predeceased by his sister Michele Leonard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning, August 6th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY 12303. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church on Thursday August 5th from 4:00 p.m-7:00 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 2416 Seventh Ave, Watervliet, NY 12189; St. Madeleine Sophie Church at the above address; or Pyramid Life Center, Box 103, Paradox, NY 12858. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Linda Hollmen
Mark was such an amazing human being who dedicated his life to service and faith
He loved his family and friends
I considered Mark as a mentor, teacher, friend and the kindest person in the world
To Kim and his family I offer .y most heartfelt and deepest condolences. May you find comfort knowing the world is a better place because of Mark.
Laura Donaldson
It has been a pleasure meeting Mark and his lovely family. I was so happy to be able to assist and make life a little more joyous through the trials of COVID-19 and hosting Thanksgiving dinner to have his family around but also keeping everyone safe. Your family has become my extended family. With love and respect- Laura Donaldson – Rocky Acres❣️
Ora Perkins
May you all have peace knowing that you shared a wonderful life with a wonderful human being! Shalom
Jerome M Lupu
I am sorry to hear this sad news. My deepest condolences to the family for their loss.
Paul Williams
We will greatly miss Mark as we celebrate his love of family, the outdoors, and his religious commitment. The many family events we have shared over more than 40 years provide memories we can cherish, laugh and smile over for years to come.
The Williams Family
Michael Freeman
Mark had a huge impact on me and I learned from him on several occasions. He was hugely influential in my being able to serve as deacon in my home parish Walton, NY. Father Ed Golding and I speak of Mark’s kindness and wisdom and good humor often and I will be one of many who love and will miss this humble true gentleman.
Valerie
Kim, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Earl Porter
Dear Kim and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Lynn Gardner & family
Anne & family –
With deepest condolences to all of your family at the loss of your brother, Mark.
May the Souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen <3
Nedra Hickenbottom
Anne,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Sending lots of prayers to you and your family. May he RIP.
Corinne Leone
Kim and family,
Please accept my condolences. I did not know Mark, but what a beautiful and fulfilling life he seems to have had!
I hope that you always think of him, not with tears, but with a big smile.
Kevin Martin Pemrick
My deepest sympathy to the Leonard family on the loss of Mark.
Thomas Brennan
Kim & family I would love to offer condolences from my family Mark was a great person and a great friend The Brennan family
Jackie Haluska
Dear Marissa,
Sincerest sympathies. We are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in your days ahead and treasure the memories. We are always here for you.
Love,
Jackie and Steve Haluska
❤️❤️❤️
Deb Parrow
Kim and family….
I’m so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!!! hugs and love to you all!!!
Brad Pearson
Dear Kim,
Words cannot express how saddened I am for your loss. Mark was one of the good guys. He was accomplished, honest, sincere and a very caring. I was blessed with a phone call from him about 5 weeks ago that I will always cherish. Mark will be missed by many. From afar, I am here if you need me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Brad Pearson
Paul Titus
To the Leonard family: my condolences to you all…I knew Mark through Corrections, and I must say, he was a shining light. Never did I ever hear him say or do anything that was negative or controversial. He was a man among men. God bless he and his family. RIP, my friend
Liz W.
There were a few years where I think I spent more time at Mark’s house on Dibella than my own. He was always welcoming of me, and I am appreciative of the open door he offered for all those years. Vicky, Claire, and Marissa, I am so very sorry for another hard loss. You three and the rest of your dad’s family will be in my thoughts.
Tom & Paula Eagen
Kim and family, I am very sorry for your loss. Mark and I reconnected in Bradenton after all these years and was very saddened by his diagnosis. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Lourdes Peets
So Sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Mitch Walters
I was a year behind Mark in school in Belgium. Even though we were geographically close, we did not see each other much after graduation. However, when we did see each other, the years would melt away. Mark was a true gentleman; I don’t remember him having an unkind word for anybody. By any measurement, his life was too short but we were blessed to have known him.
Colleen and Jim Walkley
Kim and Family:
We are so sorry to learn of Mark’s passing. Our condolences to you and all your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colleen and Jim Walkley
Robert G. Conway, Jr., CBA Class of 1969
To Kimberlee and family – The members of the Christian Brothers Academy (Albany, NY) class of 1969 extend their deepest sympathy to you on Mark’s entry into eternal life. Your loss is shared in part by his classmates who knew him, respected him, and valued his friendship. May you be comforted in this time of sorrow by many happy memories of Mark in life. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Mayville
Mark was a part of our wedding back in January of 1972 and remained a good friend after my husband Douglas passed in 2014. He would always call on the day of Doug’s passing to say how much he missed him. You will never be forgotten Mark.
Always Linda Mayville
Linda W. Baker
My deepest condolences to Kim and family. I’ve known Mark since he became Deacon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and enjoyed his humor and inspiring stories and sermons. He was a faith filled down to earth individual and all around nice guy. He will be greatly missed.
Rev. Raymond F. Collins
Kim and Mark’s family,
Only within the past hour have I learned of Mark’s death. I was privileged to have had him as a student in Leuven. He was a serious student and a wonderful friend. May he rest in peace and may the God of all consolation strengthen you as you grieve his passing from among us.
Fr Ray Collins
Mike Nally
I’m a cousin of Mark’s on my Dad’s side. Met him years back at his home, remember seeing him on the HVCC campus. Sorry about his passing.
Donna Lewin
Kim,
I am so glad I got to sit and speak to Mark a few weeks ago at Ora’s retirement. He was in such a good mood. But then Mark was ALWAYS in a good mood. I witnessed the tenderness between you both as you held hands at dinner. I cannot imagine the loss you feel now or will feel in the future. Please know that we are here for you WHEN you need us in whatever capacity that is. As an old friend of mine, Mark need not worry about us caring for you in his absence.
Joe Sano
I’m so sorry. After the Cathedral Academy years we reconnected during his tenure at DOCS. It was fun reminiscing about the Lincoln Park neighborhood. May he Rest In Peace !
Bill Haggett
Mark was a constant source of wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. His life in Corrections and his life in the church were equal parts of a whole life of service. Working with offenders and staff for so many years can wear a person to cynicism, but Mark never waivered in his commitment to see the best of the possibilities in each person. I suspect we will never know how many lives he improved directly or through his guidance of others.
Kim and family, know there is a community of support around you.
Lynda Hubbard
Kim and family,
So sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I wish I had known him better as I read his Obit I see we had much in common. I know you all feel the loss of this good man.
My prayers for comfort and extended love to you all. Lynda Hubbard no. 7 at the Villas
Debbie Quackenbush
Dear Kim and Family: I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I learned so much from Mark working for him at the Pastoral Center; we had a lot of laughs too. Please know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Who knows, maybe one day we will cross paths up at Schroon Lake! Mark and I shared many stories about the ADKS!! Be well. XoXoXo
Sherry Aiken
Marissa and Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. There are no words that can ease this pain only time helps. Know that we are here and wish nothing but peace for you and your family. Your Dad was an amazing man and he has raised beautiful daughters.
Bill and Sherry Aiken
Jim Kelly
Mark’s CBA classmates mourn his passing. He had a positive disposition that uplifted us all as young men in school and he grew to be a man of faith and service to many others throughout his exemplary life. I had the pleasure and privilege to be in touch with Mark these past few years and it is a connection I cherish.
We’re so sorry for the family’s great loss.
The prayers of Mark’s many classmates and brothers are with you at this time
Rest in peace Mark
The Helmar Family
Losing the one you love is so hard. And so I’m praying hard for you, for peace, for comfort, for whatever you need right now. I’m sorry for your loss. God Bless you, and all of your family in this very sad time.
Colleen McGlin
Vicky,
We are so very sorry about the passing of your father. My brother Mike and I have warm memories of him growing up. He was always kind and thoughtful. Our deepest condolences to you, your sisters, and your entire family.
Joe Haskell
I was so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I had a lot of communications with Mark concerning religious meals. I was in the procurement office at the Food Production Center at Mohawk CF. We talked often to make sure that the religious meals were correct. I learned a lot about the religious menus. He helped me understand all the rules & customs of the various groups. I met Mark several times, in person, but mostly we talked on the phone or E-mail. He was a great guy to deal with. Your family will be in my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. May Mark Rest in Peace.
Scott J McColl
Dear Kim and family, I am so saddened at Mark’s passing. When Mark informed me that he was diagnosed with cancer in October, I cried! It’s difficult to believe how quickly time has passed since then. Over those intervening months we had many beautiful conversations: Louvain days, travel to Ireland and Israel, AC reunions, etc., I could go on, but you were there and heard us laughing and gossiping. 1976-80, and our times together since, are years I will never forget. God bless all of you and know Mark is at home and forever at peace.
Edward Solomon
Dear Kim and family. We send our love and offer our prayers for each of you as you mourn the loss of Mark. He was a good and loving person who offered God his gifts and talents. His faith was transparent even during his illness. He now enjoys the dwelling place prepared for him and for us from the beginning of time. May the Lord hold each of you in the palm of his hand until you meet again
Msgr. Brian Henneberry
I am very sorry to hear of Mark’s death. We were classmates at the American College of Louvain. He was a gentleman and a scholar. I will offer Morning Prayer for him today, the day of his funeral.
Brian
Janet Lucas
I was so sad to hear that Mark has passed over. Plenty of wonderful memories…weddings, births, christenings, communions, graduations and pool parties. His devotion to God and family was inspirational. Although he will missed, his spirit will always be with you. God bless the Leonard family.
Terry Kenny
To Marks siblings Mary , Anne, and Marks entire family,
You were so blessed to have a Brother and a man like Mark in your life. I know I was, even thought we didn’t communicate very often, he will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I loved him like a brother.
God Bless you all.
From one of the three amigos.
Shirley Robena Baker
Kim and family, so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. He was indeed a wonderful and rare human being. I learned so much from him while working in the Division of Ministerial & Family Services. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Mark, have a safe journey.
+ David L. Ricken, Bishop of Green Bay
Dear family members of Deacon Mark Leonard,
My name is Bishop David Ricken of the Diocese of Green Bay. Mark was a classmate of mine in Louvain, Belgium. Another classmate of ours made me aware that Mark had grown ill and then passed away last year.
I offered Mass for the repose of his soul. As you know, he was a gift to so many people and he was to me as well. Please know of my sympathies and my gratitude for him and his life.
Eternal Rest Grant unto him O Lord! And let perpetual light shine upon him.
+ David L.Ricken
Bishop of Green Bay