Abbot N. “Abbey” Leonard, 84, of Melbourne, FL passed away on June 17, 2020.
Abbey was born on Jan. 12, 1936 in Chicago, IL, son of Harold and Mary Mallise Leonard. He graduated from Long Beach Central, Long Beach, NY and State University of New York Cortland, NY earning Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Loretta; his two children, David Leonard (Trina), Lexington, VA, Leanne Leonard, Cedar Knolls, NJ; his stepdaughter, Julie Phelps (Paul), stepson Michael Ells (Janelle). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kela, Alexis, Katelyn, Kevin, and Carson.
Abbey had a 35-year career as a physical education teacher, coach and athletic director at Gouverneur Central School District, Gouverneur, NY.
In 1969, he began officiating college soccer and basketball as member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA). Among the notable games he has called are: NCAA Div. III National Finals, the Big East Men’s Championship at Storrs, CT, Sun Belt Championship in Mobile, AL and the Southeast Conference Championships.
He has held the following positions as Rules Interpreter for the Northern New York Soccer Officials Association, New York State Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, Chief Clinician and Director of Instruction at the National Academy. In 1983, he was selected to participated in the FIFA referees instruction course at Lilleshall Hall National Sports Centre, England. Abbey served as President of National Intercollegiate Soccer Official Association from 1995-1996 and at the end of his tenure he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Abbey found time to be a golf coach, basketball referee and President of Gouverneur Country Club in Gouverneur.
Upon retirement, he joined the Mid Coast Officials Association’s Basketball Officiating Team in 1999 and was a member through 2015. He was registered with the Florida High School Athletic Association for 16 years and 12 years as a Rank 1 Official. In 2005 and 2007 he refereed 6A Championship at Lakeland Center, Lakeland, FL.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Vitas Healthcare, 5425 S. US 1 Highway Rockledge, FL 32955.