Leonard Kilmer, 89

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Leonard S. Kilmer, 89, passed away on April 11, 2021, at his home with his wife by his side following a long 20-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Born Aug. 14, 1931 in Lee, he was the son of Stanley and Ethel Springstube Kilmer. 

He attended Pittsfield Vocational School.

A veteran of the Korean War, Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 28, 1950. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 14, 1953, having received the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal and 1 overseas bar.

Leonard married the love of his life, Catherine Korte, at the West Stockbridge Congregational Church on October 9, 1954. Together they raised their three daughters Diane, Anne and Marjorie in a home filled with love, laughter and respect.

Leonard worked at Mead Specialty Paper Company for over 30 years until his retirement in 1998. He was a lifelong member of the Joseph Lombardi American Legion Post #254 in West Stockbridge. 

A "Jack of all Trades" he could fix anything mechanical and was always helpful and giving of his talents. For many years Leonard operated a lawnmower and small engine repair business where friends would often pay him with pies and cookies. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed playing the harmonica. He had a special place in his heart for all animals.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Catherine "Katie" Kilmer and his daughters Diane Kilmer and her husband Bill Tarnawa of Richmond, Anne Kilmer-Lockenwitz and her husband Teddy of Canaan, N.Y. and Marjorie Kilmer of East Chatham, N.Y. 

He also leaves his two beloved granddaughters Joy Marie Boyer and her husband Jamie and Kassie Lockenwitz, his great-grandchildren Isaac and Kaylee Perez, and Kyle Boyer and his fiancé Alexia and Shelby Boyer as well as his great-great grandson Sterling Boyer and many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and
friends. Leonard also leaves his little kitty Sophia.

Along with his parents Stanley and Ethel, Leonard was predeceased by his brothers John and William Springstube and his sister Mary Palardy.

SERVICES – The family invites everyone to join them for a graveside service on Saturday, April 17 th at 11:00 a.m. at the West Stockbridge Village Cemetery, Albany Road, West Stockbridge, conducted by Rev. Patty Fox, pastor West Stockbridge Congregational Church, UCC and Rev. Belle Fox-Martin. Please wear a mask and feel
free to bring a chair.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Leonard may be made to either The Berkshire Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com