Jack Leonard September 9, 1948 - August 6, 2026

Jack Bernard Leonard

Jack Bernard Leonard, 77, a lifelong St. Louisan, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on August 6, 2026.

Jack is survived by his wife and love of his life, Cynthia “Cindy” Anne Modde Leonard; his children, Jeff (Jonna) Leonard, Katie (Jordan) Rouff and Tim (Sarah) Leonard; and his beloved grandchildren, Becky, Jack, Sam, Ava, Charlotte and Christopher.  He is also survived by his sisters, Joan Griffith and Judy Hannis; brother-in-law Ron Winkler; and in-laws Terri (Dave) Ilges, Nancy Modde, Deb (Greg) Kornfeld, Scott (Janet) Modde and Cathy Modde.

Jack also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart, along with extended family and countless dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernie and Leona Leonard; parents-in-law, Scott and Theresa Modde; his sister, Janet Winkler; and brothers-in-law John Griffith, Don Hannis and Rick Modde.

Services:  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Catholic Student Center at Washington University (6352 Forsyth Blvd, 63105).  Visitation will be held from 9:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.  The service will be Live-streamed, click here to view.

Please see parking information below.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army or Saint Patrick’s Center in Jack’s memory.

Tribute to Jack: 

Above all else, Jack loved his family.  He and Cindy met when they were just 15 years old, beginning a love story that spanned more than six decades.  On June 19, they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.  The way Jack looked at Cindy left no doubt how fiercely he loved her. Together they built a beautiful life filled with family, friends, adventure and laughter.

Jack attended St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School, graduated from CBC High School and Saint Louis University, and went on to serve in the United States Navy.

He spent his career in the candy business, first working alongside his father, Bernie, at the B.J. Leonard Company and later partnering with Jeff Grabbe to form The Grabbe-Leonard Company.  Jack loved being a candy broker, made lifelong friendships throughout his career and took his children along to candy conventions across the country, making work part of the family fun.

Family was Jack’s greatest joy.  He loved spoiling his children and grandchildren and made certain they always knew how deeply they were loved and how proud he was of them.  He would drop everything for his family in a heartbeat and was the person they could always call for advice.

Jack had an unmistakable laugh that could be heard across a room and a way of making life more fun for everyone around him.  Katie’s Chi Omega sorority sisters at Mizzou affectionately nicknamed him “Happy Jack,” a name that suited him perfectly.

Lorenzo’s Trattoria on The Hill held a special place in Jack’s heart, as did his friendship with owners Larry and Maureen.  Jack and Cindy spent 26 of the past 27 Valentine’s Days there, a treasured tradition they missed only this year as Jack’s health declined.

Golf was one of Jack’s great passions and a longtime source of fun, friendship and competition.  He also loved coaching baseball, Mizzou and Rams tailgates, and cheering on the Cardinals, Blues and Rams as a longtime season-ticket holder.  For Jack, sports were always about more than the game, they were another way to spend time with the people he loved.

Jack loved to travel and was always ready for the next adventure.  He and Cindy traveled extensively with family and friends, throughout Europe and to Egypt, Jerusalem and Jordan, on river cruises and even by helicopter into the Grand Canyon.  But in Jack’s own words, his favorite way to travel was simply “traveling with family.  I really don’t care where to, but let’s just get going.”

Some of Jack’s happiest memories were made much closer to home.  For nearly 30 years, Innsbrook was his family’s special place, a home for boating and fishing, Papa’s famous ribs, summer days with the grandchildren and Innsbrook Christmases filled with family, whiskey tastings and laughter around the campfire.  Jack described it best himself:  “It is our family’s treasure.  It is our family that makes this place special.”

Jack’s Catholic faith was an important part of his life.  He and Cindy were longtime members of the Catholic Student Center at Washington University, where they worshipped and generously supported the community over the years.

In June, Jack entered hospice care, giving his family the precious gift of time to gather close, hear his stories, share laughter, say everything that needed to be said and, ultimately, say goodbye.

Jack lived fully, laughed loudly and loved fiercely.  His greatest legacy is the family he adored and the countless memories they were lucky enough to make together.  His unmistakable laugh may no longer carry across the room, but it will echo through the stories his family and friends tell for generations.

Parking at the Celebration of Life:

Limited parking is available in the CSC lot and in front of the building.  There are handicap-accessible parking spaces in front of the chapel.

If the lot is full, free parking is available at the following locations:

Weekends

The East End underground parking garage on the Danforth campus northeast of the CSC (best option).  Another option is in front of Mallinckrodt Center or in front of the greenhouse.

Visitors can park in yellow or visitor designated spaces in these locations without      permit/payment.

DO NOT park in red zones.  Parking in red spaces without a permit is not allowed at any time, and cars will be ticketed.