SOUTHBURY — It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mr. Leonard Margolis, age 95, of Southbury, said farewell to their beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, following his peaceful passing at home surrounded by the love of his family. He was the devoted husband of Edith M. (Hubelbank) Margolis for 67 wonderful years.

Born on December 6, 1930, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to the late Jacob and Lena (Smith) Margolis, Leonard graduated from Crosby High School and earned a B.A. from the University of Connecticut School of Education in 1952. After college, he proudly served six years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, attending officer candidate school and later serving seven years in the reserves, resigning as Captain. He went on to lead the family business as President and COO of Jay Mar Syrup in Waterbury.

A gifted athlete, Leonard pitched for his high school and college baseball teams, was the youngest player in the Waterbury Twilight League, and later served as an umpire for the Mickey Mantle League. He was an avid tennis player who also enjoyed racquetball, swimming, biking, and running—often with a cigar in hand.

A dedicated member of Beth El Synagogue in Waterbury, Leonard was known for his generous spirit, humor, and kindness. He had an extraordinary ability to uplift those around him, encouraging friends and family to embrace challenges and see the good in every person. His deep empathy and commitment to inclusion were best shown by one of his proudest achievements: helping establish Beta Sigma Gamma, the first multi-racial and multi-cultural fraternity at UConn.

Above all, Leonard treasured his family. He found immense joy in passing along valuable life lessons, taking his grandchildren for ice cream at Charlie White's, and fervently supporting them at all of their activities.

Left to honor his memory, in addition to his devoted wife, Edith, are his children, Marilyn (Margolis) Maughan and her husband Thomas of Southbury, and Michael Margolis and his wife Nancy of Charleston, SC; his grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Margolis, Samantha (Maughan) Barry and her husband Brett, Amanda (Maughan) Bloom and her husband Ryan, Jillian (Margolis) Taussi and her husband Moshe, Jacob Margolis, and Sydney Maughan and her partner Patrick Berry; his great-grandchildren, Bowen Barry, Eleanor Bloom, Fletcher Barry, and Callahan Barry; and his sister, Irma Sue Schlosshan. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hebrew Benefit Association Cemetery, 244 Stillson Road, Waterbury. Those attending are asked to meet directly at the cemetery. Shiva will follow at the home of Thomas and Marilyn Maughan, with a service from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been honored to assist the Margolis family during this difficult time. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.caseyfunerals.com, or memorial donations may be made to B’nai Israel of Southbury.