LARRY MARK LEONARD

Larry Mark Leonard, age 57, passed away in his Garrettsville, OH home on Saturday, March 21, 2015. He was born to James Harvey Leonard and Gloria Dean Pritt (Fazio) on May 10, 1957 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a longtime resident in the Cleveland area, but also lived out in Geauga and Portage counties during the past 12 years.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Barnes Leonard, step-children, Roxanne Steiger (Eric) and Richard Radis; mother, Gloria Pritt; siblings, Jim Leonard II (Anita), Ken Leonard (Pam), Mike Dziak (Connie); and sister, Jane Pritt. Also nieces and nephews, Trisha (Leonard) Weaver (Tony), Ken Leonard, Mike Dziak (Angie), Tara Leonard, Shelby Graden (Brandon), James III (Stacey), Brian Talbot, Tracy Talbot, Amanda McCleary (Matt), Anthony Pritt, Austin Pritt, Alex Pritt, James Tincher, Janell Tincher, and Justin Looney.

He is preceded in death by his loving step-father, Jim Pritt; brother, Gary Pritt, and mother-n-law, Louise Hankins.

Larry enjoyed a long career as an equestrian which started when he became involved in thoroughbred horse racing as a teenager through his ‘dad,” Jim Pritt and mom, Gloria. He was a very skilled and knowledgeable horseman and had a complete and intimate understanding of the horse’s mind and body. He tried his hand at bull riding which he really enjoyed, but realized that his true calling was with horses. He especially loved working with young horses and problem horses and there wasn’t a horse alive that he couldn’t handle. While he worked at many farms and racetracks all over the US, home was Cleveland and Thistledown his home base. He met his soul mate and the love of his life, Judy Barnes, at Thistledown and in February 1999 they became an inseparable couple until the day of his passing.

In 2006, Larry became caregiver to his mother-in-law, Louise Hankings, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. His unselfish love and devotion allowed Louise’s wishes to never be put in a nursing home to become a reality. He cared for her with the help of Judy (who had to work outside the home) every single day for 7-1/2 years until Louise passed away in September of 2013. He never took as much as a single day off and never complained. Larry felt honored that he had been given the opportunity to do the Lord’s work by caring for his mother-in-law.

Larry was very proud of his accomplishment of quitting smoking in October of 2011. He had smoked for over 40 years and had struggled with trying to quit, but he finally succeeded. He was willing to help anyone quit that dangerous habit. Lung cancer was eventually discovered and he was officially diagnosed in January 2015. Larry chose to fight the disease full on, hoping to beat it, but asking simply for a little more time with his wife. Sadly it truly was only a little more time and he passed away on the morning of March 21, 2015.

A memorial gathering will be held at Deerfield Lake Clubhouse, 17148 Golden Star Dr., Strongsville, Ohio on Sunday, May 10, 2015 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All are welcome who wish to celebrate Larry’s life. Please bring your funny stories to share.

Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program at newvocations.org. Donations to any animal welfare organization are also appreciated.