Edward J. Leonard Jr.

He grew up with his hands in the soil. Ed worked his family’s farm until heading off to college. But most of his adult life found him being the most popular guy in town: the bartender. He was a partner at the Finish Line and worked at the Dutch and Holiday Inn. Ed loved the ponies: you’d find him at Delaware Park and the first Saturday in May was better than Christmas. “Unbelievable!” he’d say if his horse didn’t win. But maybe it was the thrill of placing a bet he enjoyed; he was also a fan of the casinos. He’d head out with the grandkids to Cowtown and return home with every noise making goody he could find. But he was always a kid at heart: they’d wear out playing basketball, football and sledding long before he ever did. From the time he got out of bed till he got back in, Ed was dressed to the nines and he was in great demand at parties: Fred Astaire never moved so gracefully.

Bartending at a retirement party, he’d find a pretty lady ordering a drink. He and Nancy would click and spend the next 35 years together. He is survived by his son, Ed Leonard III,; step children, Terry Fulmer (Keith) and Joseph Sarbello (Donna); 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.

Come celebrate 70 great years Saturday 10-11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where there will be an 11 a.m. service. Donations in lieu of flowers to the American Diabetes Assoc (Diabetes.org) will be appreciated.