John Bligh
- Retired teacher
- Mott Hall School, Manhattan
John C. Leonard, a computer science and technology teacher who retired in 2003, made a powerful difference in the lives of his students and his community. Stern but fair, John always managed to weave life lessons into his teaching at the Mott Hall School in West Harlem.
John, age 71, entered the city’s teaching force in 1969 and for the next 34 years taught mostly middle school students how to understand computers and integrate them in practical ways in their daily lives.
Of the more than 120 tribute comments dedicated to John’s memory on a Mott Hall School alumni Facebook page, many thanked him for teaching them typing skills. “He tried to prepare us early on for living in a world of technology,” said Tatanisia Lumley, one of his former students.
John was a respected and senior member of the computer science department at Mott Hall School. Known for his cool demeanor and words of wisdom, students and educators alike sought him out not only for laptop troubleshooting but also for guidance.
Inspiring self-reflection before it was a catchphrase, John would ask his students, “Do you know why you are where you are?” If you knew John for a short time or a lifetime, you knew he wouldn’t settle for split-second, thoughtless responses.
A longtime Bronx resident, John served as an auxiliary policeman in Manhattan for more than 25 years, until the time of his death.
Following his retirement from full-time teaching, John had more time to perform as a DJ and he embraced photography as a hobby. As he had done throughout his life, John enjoyed visiting family in North Carolina. Through his beloved Bethel Gospel Assembly and its Christian Educators ministry in Harlem, he volunteered to teach English in South Africa. He also served on the church’s security team. Keeping New York City’s children close to his heart, he also served as a substitute teacher at PS 160 in his Co-op City neighborhood until 2009.
John is survived by his daughters, Veronica and Cynthia; and his brother, Charles.
Mr. Leonard was my middle school computer teacher in Mott Hall. I can still remember the classroom, the typing tests, the old Macintosh computers…Most of all I remember he always had a kind smile and enjoyed playing Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and music of that era while we stared at the ceiling trying to memorize the keys lol. I wish I could go back to those times and thank him for being awesome.
John Christopher Leonard was my friend. John was my 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Edward W. Stitt Junior High School back in 1975 and 1976. He was the greatest inspiration in my life. I remember when he brought a Zilog computer into our class room and was running BASIC (All Purpose Symbolic Instrution Code). He was teaching young black kids from Washington Heights computer programming in the 1970s. That learning experience was such an influence on me, I studied earned my degree in Electronic Engineering. HE WAS AMAZING!! He would also take just about the whole class roller skating over near LaGuardia Airport. The first time I ever went to the Museum of Natural History was when John took me. He was also a source of encouragement to me and even came to visit me and my family in Wisconsin. John was the greastest teacher and friend to me. Our friendship and brotherhood will always live forever. John you maybe gone in body but your spirit still lives in me, my children, your children, and everyone you have touched. God bless you. Rest in peace my brother.
Myself (Veronica) and my sister Cynthia have enjoyed reading all of your post in remembrance of our father. It has helped us find a little peace during this time, it’s been almost two years and we still struggle. I would love for anyone to share any pictures or memories. Please feel free to reach out to me at veronicaleonard@ymail.com
Hello I’m your cousin Leah would love to connect. We loved our cousin Chris and condolences to you and your sister.
I remember well he was a young man and had a red van how he used to love to customize it now is the first to have one ran into him contact cement he showed me how to use it. That’s when JERRY B BK ANDREW ALL WERE JUST Enjoy and learning about life. May your travels through the universe be peaceful.
I knew Chris years ago. He & I would sometime DJ together back in the 80’s.
It would be hard to find a more kind and giving spirit…
Anyone know how I can get in touch with his family?
I feel like I know them because he talked so much about them over the 12 years that I served with him.
I would love to share more with the daughters and his brother.
Thank you.
Joan.
I would love to hear!!! Please contact me, veronicaleonard@ymail.com
His daughter Veronica posted on this thread
Hello Joan can you please reach out to me @ lee29.lj@gmail.com
I met John and his sister threw a friend of mine. One day we both were at her house and he asked me about my kids. I told him about my son and then about my aspiring actress daughter and pageant Queen, and that I had to get a portfolio for all her pictures etc. The next time I ran into Johnat my friends house he had bought my daughter the portfolio! He had a kind spirit. I moved and we lost touch. My friend passed away in March and I just learned today from her sister that John passed away two weeks after she did. I am crushed! Such a nice kind man.
Anyone know how I can get in touch with his family?
His bro Charles Leonard handled everything, i have his phone number
Email me (Lorraine at rteducate@gmail.com, subject line John leonard
Anyone know how I can get in touch with his family?
Joan
I miss you so much I wish you was given another chance. so much to say no one would understand but God knows the answer’s. You are different from everyone i know and that’s why i love you. RIP John C. Leonard you’re taught of often. you will always be in my heart. you will not be forgotten.
I miss you. I find it so hard to believe that i won’t hear your voice, your laughter, or your wisdom again.
I remember our conversations about being a “prepper’, i thought it was so funny, until i was in a blackout.
Our great lunches at Sammys on City Islands , we would have fun.
Thank you for being so caring and sharing. You are in my heart forever.
Anyone know how I can get in touch with his family?
veronicaleonard@ymail.com
His daughter Veronica .
She posted on this thread.
His daughter Veronica Leonard email is on this page.
His brother Charles Leonard ..handled his cremation. I haven’t talked to Charles in months.
This is a great loss to the community. He was a great individual with a big impact on my life.
Anyone know how I can get in touch with his family?
hello, do you need to speak with his family?
He was a great educator.
Anyone know how I can get in touch with his family?
To tag on to the statement above, John also “made a powerful difference in the lives of his” fellow volunteers with the Auxiliary Policy program of the NYPD.
A/Lt. Joseph Davis
My depest condolences to all the family and close friends, Thank you John Leonard for the unconditional love and support through all the years, thank you for all your caring putting your smile always first in all circumstances to provide to us all an aurora that lighting rooms with tranquility and armonie, thank you for be there together with NY Police Auxiliary Family, thank for being always my friend, please rest in peace, thank you always John Leonard.
A/SGT Vanderlinder,Aldo.
APO J. Leonard was my desk person, confidant, and dear mentor. We are both teachers, and both “Old School” in more ways than one. We believe in not cussing and respecting your elders. He had just recovered from a stroke and came all the way back. This is cruel for a man who deserved so much more for what he gave his school community and the community at large he tried to serve through the NYPD. I am sorry I did not know sooner. Others too. There will be a time and a place we will pay your respects properly. Thank you John for a always knowing the right thing to say after a long day of difficult teaching when I came in to volunteer on Thursdays when all the Explorers were being typical teenagers. Thank you for all of your gifts for my birthdays over the years -you remembered when others never cared to.
With great love and tremendous respect, a fellow pedagogy, and your A/Sgt. J. Martinez.
RIP John.