Richard Louis Leonik, “Rich” “Superhero Dad” and the “Big UR” (Uncle Rich), age 63 formerly of Wilmington, Delaware passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 19th. Rich grew up in Wilmington’s Polish community, attended the University of Delaware receiving a Masters in Business and made his career in his family first, and then financial services.
Rich was a selfless father, husband, son, brother (+in law), uncle and friend, always putting himself behind everyone else’s needs. Rich lived his life intentionally, always present and careful to make sure his words and actions followed his values, starting with serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rich was a lover of knock knock jokes and humor, church volleyball, pirates, cheese, dark chocolate, random facts, good movies, cartoons, music, dancing, farm life, the Dallas Cowboys, but most of all his family. He loved his children and his wife more than life itself. He was the most loving (and patient) husband ever. He received his “Superhero Dad” status not because he was the master spaghetti, macaroni and cheese or mushroom chicken maker, homework helper, ping pong opponent, sport practice helper or board game player. Nor due to his daily responsibilities for the care and keeping of Kitty, Oscar, Romeo, Griff, Henry, Titan, Flash, Doc, Jet, Tidbit (Tugboat) and Cody that made their way into his family without his written consent. No, his Superhero powers were the result of his unconditional love, patience and encouragement to each of his kids every single day without fail, making each of them feel loved beyond measure.
This is not goodbye, as Rich would say “Adios Caballos, See You All Soon” which we will hold onto, until we see him again in heaven.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his children, Emma, Abby, Sara, Mady and Alex; his father, Waclaw Leonik (age 102) of Wilmington, DE; sister, Aline Johnson (Bob) of Newark, Delaware; sister-in-law, Deb Wambold of Wilmington, DE; and nieces and nephews including Josh, Joanna, Andrew, Ryan, Hannah and Matthew, whom he loved like his own, as well as great nieces and nephews including Hannah, Charlie, Tessa and Marc. He was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda Leonik.
A celebration of life will be held at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church (7 Mt Lebanon Road, Wilmington DE) on Monday, June 27th at 11 am, with a family greeting starting at 10 am. Lunch will follow at Brantwyn Estates, directions provided at the church. Burial will be private. Please dress casually. Dallas Cowboy gear (or the color blue) and silly Crocs are very welcome!
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Blood Bank of Delmarva @ delmarvablood.org or donations can be made to Rich and Kathleen’s children’s education fund @ https://everloved.com/life-of/richard-leonik/
