Leonard Rich, 70

Leonard Rich of Philadelphia died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, in Philadelphia. He was 70.

Mr. Rich was born March 21, 1936, in Philadelphia, son of the late Daisy Lee Allen and David Melvin Rich.

He was educated in the Philadelphia school system and upon completion he was immediately selected as a Philadelphia policeman. Leonard graduated from the Police Academy and went on to a lucrative and rewarding career with the Philadelphia Police Department.

Leonard was a Philadelphia police officer for 28 years before retiring. After retiring he received a top secret clearance with the U.S. Government and was employed with GE Space Center Command, where he provided security for several U.S. classified exploration projects. Leonard later settled his prestigious career down by volunteering to render his position to a young security officer who was laid-off by GE.

Leonard accepted a position as a security officer with Wade Cable until he left in 2001. He decided to spend more time enjoying his hobbies, boating, fishing and gardening. He enjoyed fishing so much that he often spoke of being at peace while on the water. He was very proud of an award that he received for catching a 22-pound striped bass. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He is remembered most as being a distinguished, generous man. He is gone but he will never be forgotten.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifton Bernard Rich and Kenneth Rich; and a grandson, Wayne Keith Jerwhan Rich.

Survived by his first wife, Mary N. Rich; five daughters, Catherine Kemp, Marie Hannibal, LaWhan Yancy, Rev. Linda Gusoff, Lenora Jones MA; two sons, Leonard Rich and Bernard Rich; his second wife, Judith Golson; a son, Morgan Rich; an adopted daughter, Stephanie Grimes; six sons-in-law, Murray Kemp, M.D., John Hannibal, Jeffrey Yancy, Gary Gusoff Esq., Leonard Rich, Charles Jones; and a daughter-in-law, Tina Rich.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Mount Moriah Apostolic Church, 6840 Paschall Ave., Philadelphia, where friends may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be in Mount Lawn Cemetery, Philadelphia.

Arrangements by Young & McPherson Funeral Homes, Inc., Milford.