Leonard Beason Smalley

Leonard Beason Smalley passed away at the age of 92 on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Leonard was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who will be missed by all who knew him. Leonard was born in Far Hills, NJ on 10/16/28 to Lester and Carolyn Smalley. On 12/26/48, he married the love of his life, Jane Grady, who he was married to for 69 years. Together they raised four children in Chester, NJ. Leonard worked as a builder for many years before attending and graduating from the Police Academy in Sea Girt, NJ. He went on to work with the Morris County Park Police where he worked his way up to the rank of Captain. Serving his community was his life's work and calling, and he also gave his time to volunteer with the Chester Volunteer Fire Company and First Aid Squad. He retired after 26 years of service, eventually moving to Garden City, SC where he and Jane lived on the beach. He enjoyed retirement immensely – taking up cooking, spending time on the beach, doing puzzles, visiting with family, and his favorite retirement activity which was spending time with his wife Jane. Leonard is predeceased by his wife Jane and daughter, Donna Smalley. He is survived by his son Ronald Smalley of Hampton, NJ, daughter Dale Talbot and husband Robert Talbot of Seabrook Island, SC, daughter Annette Smalley-McGill of Readington Township, NJ, and three grandchildren - Julie Kelly and husband Ryan Kelly, Kevin Talbot and wife Katelyn Talbot, and Grant Talbot. A viewing will be held at Leber Funeral Home in Chester on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a fireman's farewell @ 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Chester, followed by a private burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chester Volunteer Fire Company and First Aid Squad. "Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they shall be called the children of God." -Matthew 5:9