Obituary of Ronald J Leavesley

It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald J. Leavesley of Kinnelon, New Jersey announces his passing on January 23, 2023. 

Born in 1929 in Abington, Pennsylvania.  Ron went on to attend Temple University on a basketball scholarship.   Though not a star player, he made good use of the opportunity to get an education, graduating with a degree in business administration and a MBA. Ron began his career in the pharmaceutical industry making a niche for himself, serving as the president of Oral-B, followed by positions as president and CEO for other dental companies.  

Although he retired in 1989, there never really was a retirement.  Ron found many new pursuits; however his most passionate project was his volunteer work for the Kinnelon Public Library.   Ron had a strong belief in the power of the public library to enhance people’s lives; and that the library was not just a place for books.  

Dedicating his management and fund-raising skills, Ron immersed himself for the betterment of the Kinnelon Library, its borough residents and community.  Ron was instrumental in the design and success of the Center for Lifelong Learning classes and fund-raising for the Friends of Kinnelon Library. He brought over 30 years of leadership and commitment to the library.  His goals were always to support the library’s mission and to meet the needs of the patrons, students, and greater Kinnelon community.  

Ronald is lovingly survived by his children, Ann Leavesley-Turpin and her husband William, Scott Leavesley and his wife Dawn, and Elizabeth Niehoff and her husband Robert.  He was extremely proud of his seven grandchildren:  Elizabeth Turpin Jennings, Philip Turpin, Connor Leavesley, Emily Niehoff, Caroline Niehoff, Julia Niehoff, and Erica Niehoff. Ron was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, and son Jack.

Funeral services for Ron will be private.  A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a future date.

Donations in memory of Ron can be made to Friends of Kinnelon Library or to the Kinnelon Library Legacy Foundation.