In loving memory of Joseph W. Leonard III, who passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Joe was born in Pottsville, Pa., on Dec. 24, 1930, to Gertrude and Joseph W. Leonard II.
He married Josephine (Jo) Sunday Leonard, who preceded him in death in 2014 after 62 years of marriage. Joe and Jo raised four children together: Beth Leonard Jackson (Carney); Joseph W. Leonard IV (deceased 1986) (Barbara); Virginia Leonard Vining (Peter); and Dr. Stephen S. Leonard (Kelly). Joe’s only sibling, a sister, Elizabeth Eck resides in Germany. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Joe had a long and exceptional career that centered around coal mining and coal preparation both in industry and academia. He began working summers in the coal mines of the Pennsylvania anthracite region, working his way up to Divisional Superintendent of Mines. His education included a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering and master’s in mineral processing engineering from Penn State University. He also was a professional engineer and professional chemist/AIC. Joe worked as a research engineer in coal and coke (a coal byproduct) production for United States Steel’s applied research laboratory. He then served as dean/professor of COMER, director of the Coal Research Bureau and William Poundstone Distinguished Professor at West Virginia University. He went on to be the founding chairman/professor of the Department of Mining Engineering at the University of Kentucky. He retired from the University of Kentucky as a distinguished professor and professor emeritus.
Among his many professional awards were the first recipient of the Howard N. Eavenson Award, the Award of Excellence (Society of Mining Engineers), Percy W. Nicholls Award, Erskine Ramsey Medal and Distinguished Member of Society of Mining Engineers.
Joe has authored over 125 publications and numerous books, including “Coal Preparation” (Vol. III, IV and V), leading publications on coal preparation with tens of thousands located all over the world. He was the long-term author of the coal section in the World Book Encyclopedia. His final publication was “Anthracite Roots,” a history of anthracite mining of Schuykill County, Pa., and the miners who built the industry.
His professional activities were numerous, and among them were chairman of the National Academy of Science, National Academy of Engineering Clean Coal Delegations to China and member of the Board Power Research Institute Coal Quality Development Center. He also served 26 years as the secretary-treasurer of the Society of Mining Engineers Central Appalachian Section.
Joe has 26 patents and was a much sought-after consultant in the area of coal preparation. Joe has visited more than 300 mines in 16 countries around the world, often accompanied by his wife, Jo.
Upon retirement, he and Jo relocated to State College, Pa., where they spent many years enjoying the university environment, including cultural and sporting events. Joe served as president of the State College, Pa., Kiwanis club and Lt. Governor of Kiwanis International District 11E, Pennsylvania.
Over his lifetime, Joe was a member in good standing of St. John’s Catholic church in Pottsville, Pa.; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Star City; and Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in State College, Pa.
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Star City, at 11 a.m. on Monday April 29.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Joe may do so by contributing to the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund in the name of the Joseph W. Leonard IV Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent to The Erickson Alumni Center, Loyalty Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 4269, Morgantown, WV 26504-4269.
