John "Kent" Leonnig

John Kent Leonnig, aged 90 years old of Ellicott City, Maryland passed away on January 2nd, 2023. Born in Takoma Park, Maryland the eldest child of Leo and Marian Leonnig, he grew up on a farm in Landover, Maryland. He attended Gonzaga College High School and graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School. A graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s College, he went on to obtain his law degree from Georgetown Law School.  He was a sports reporter for the Washington Post before becoming an attorney.  

His career included positions with the Prince George’s Election Board, Howard County Housing Agency, as well as private practice. He worked as an Assistant Attorney General of Maryland until his retirement in 1993, representing the State in Subsequent Injury Fund cases before the Workers Compensation Commission of Maryland. 

In 1957 Kent married Maxine Constable and they started a family in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, later moving to Columbia, Maryland in 1968. Kent lived in Ellicott City in the latter part of life. After retiring he enjoyed helping and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Kent was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren with their sports activities. Kent was a devout Catholic and a member of the ACTS Ministry, St. Louis Church Men’s Rosary Group and Prayer Meeting, and the Knights of Columbus. 

Kent is survived by his brother George and sister-in-law Hila and his former wife Maxine. He leaves behind his four children: Helene Genovese and her husband Joe, Blythe Madrak and her husband Joe, Mike and his wife Viviana, and his daughter Ellen. He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Elaine. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Kelly, Elaine, Tommy, Jack, Julia, Joey, Mikey, and Valerie. 

Funeral Mass will be held on January 12th, 2023, at 11:00 am at the St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, Maryland. The burial follows at 1:00 pm at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to DeMatha Catholic High School or Gonzaga College High School.

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