Northborough –

Chester “Chet” E. Leonard III, age 75, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. He was the husband of 35 years to Carlene M. Sargent-Leonard until her own passing in 2013. Chet is survived by his two beloved sons Michael A. Leonard of Northborough and Christopher D. Leonard of Sutton. He also leaves a brother, Richard Leonard and his wife Laura of Florida.

Chet was born in San Francisco, California, a son to the late Chester E. and Cecelia M. (Sikora) Leonard. He moved to Northborough in his teenage years and was a 1964 graduate of Algonquin Regional H.S. Chet was an excellent athlete and was proud to be inducted into Algonquin’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated Holy Cross College prior to completing his graduate work at Bemidji State University in Minnesota. During this time Chet worked within a local Native American tribal nation where he taught English.

Chet returned to Northborough where he taught for several years at the middle school. He would later serve as a guidance counselor within the Rutland and Ware public school systems. After his retirement he selflessly devoted his life to caring for Carlene during her illness. Gentle, patient and compassionate with a loving heart, Chet will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to have known him. Chet was a longtime member of Saint Bernadette Parish and a past member of its choir.

For numerous years Chet volunteered as a coach for Northborough youth baseball. He also enjoyed following the New England sports teams, most especially the Red Sox and Patriots. His sons fondly remember Chet making sure he was there, rooting them on, at every one of their games possible. They will cherish the memories made during the many road trips to Gloucester and the trip Chet and Michael made to Nova Scotia. Chet also enjoyed the time spent caring for his cats, Mac and Zoey.

Calling hours will be held between 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Chet’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18 in St. Bernadette Parish, 266 Main St. Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Bernadette Religious Education, 266 Main St. Northborough, MA 01532. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com