John "Jack Van" Leonard, 81, died April 8th at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. Mr. Leonard was born January 11, 1922 in Hastings, Florida the son of Walter B. Leonard and Josephine V. Leonard. A native of St. Augustine, FL, he was a stellar scholar and athelete. He received many offers for football scholarships to major southern universities but opted for a scholarship to Webb Institute on Long Island, NY. This was a key decision in his life for it was there that he met his wife of 58 years, Caryl Joyce Kluge and started his illustrious career as a naval architect and marine engineer.
Upon graduating from Webb, he served two years as a naval officer and then returned to civilian lite as a naval architect with the ship-design firm of Henry A. Scheel. In 1952 Mr .Leonard, "Van" to his colleagues, joined Electric Boat. By 1956 he was appointed design manager and then in 1964 Vice President of Engineering. Over that period the engineering and design force grew from 1000 to over 3000 as EB designed and built 10 prototype submarines including the Polaris Class.
In 1971 he left EB to start the consulting firm Specialized Systems with his longtime business associate and friend, Capt. Donald H. Kearn. As a principal consultant Jack continued with the technical work he loved best~analytical development and assessment of advanced engineering concepts and systems. He applied his skills to a wide range of projects sponsored by several government agencies (DARP A, ONR, CIA, NA V SEA, Library of Congress ). He was particularly proud of the technical analysis he performed in reverse engineering the USSR's fast attack ALPHA submarine.
Mr. Leonard was a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the American Society of Naval Engineers, and Pi Tau Sigma National Honorary Mechanical Engineering Fraternity. He was recognized as one of the countries premier naval architects in the book RWlning Critical. Mr. Leonardreceived numerous commendations for his life long achievement in the defense of our Nation from President Johnson to the Chief of Naval Operations.
When not working Mr. Leonard was an avid skier, sailor, golfer and enjoyed a good hand of bridge. He served as a commodore of Ram Island Yacht Club, was a member of Mason's Island Yacht Club, the Storm Trysail Club, the Port Washington Yacht Club and the Stonington Golf Club. Above all his interests. the main focal point was always his family.
He was predeceased by a sister Elizabeth and a brother Walter "Duke" Leonard.He is survived by a brother James Leonard, his wife Caryl, 2 daughters Jacklyn C.Stoltz and Susan L. O'Donnell of Mystic, 2 sons John Leonard of Mystic and Fred Leonard of Stonington. He also is survived by 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
The Leonard family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 5-7pm. A Memorial service will be conducted at St. Mark'sEpiscopal Church on Fnday at Ipm. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Webb Institute, 298 Crescent Beach Road, Glen CoveNY 11542-1398, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, or St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl St.,Mystic 06355.
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