On December 30, 1957, Leonard Gary Calhoun was born to Leonard Herman Calhoun and Grace Roach Calhoun. Born at Sydenham Hospital in New York City, he was raised in the Riverton Houses, a rather upscale apartment complex on the East side of Harlem (135th Street & Fifth Avenue). Those were the glory days of the family and throughout his life Leonard maintained the friendships he developed there. Gary was born into a family with one other sibling at that time, an older sister. A younger brother was born 4 years later which made Gary the middle child. Although his first name was Leonard, the family called him by his middle name, Gary, to avoid household confusion because my father's name was Leonard. Once he hit school and learned that his first name was actually Leonard, just like his father, it became a source of pride and a required title all the days of his life. Gary had a very unique personality starting with the fact that he was left handed, which in those days brought a bunch of nuances with it that he had to overcome. Music was very much at the heart of the household and at the age of 4, Gary was totally groovin' with Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderly. (His older sister's thoughts were.....this kid is weird.) Other favorite artists included Stanley Clarke (School Days album), and Bob James (Passport). Academic excellence was a matter of life or death in our home, so Leonard excelled in school. He went to All Saints Roman Catholic Elementary School and then on to All Hallows High School where he excelled in both. He also was on the wrestling team. He went on to Lehman College but got distracted, lost interest, you know that age. So he worked at a rubber supply company for many years. Then as a bike messenger for many years (until "the accident"). Then on to be a salesman at a children's shoe store on West 125th Street in Harlem for many years. All his jobs required him to deal with a lot of people (the public) which he seemed to enjoy. At the age of 52, Leonard decided to go back to college. He graduated from Nyack College in May 2013. He graduated cum laude (with honors) with a Bachelor of Science degree. From that time forward, he totally immersed himself in Primerica in a sales position. He loved this work which also brought him in contact with a lot of people. On August 12, 2020, at the age of 62, Leonard passed from this life due to COPD, a chronic lung disease. He leaves behind: one sister, one brother, one sister-in-law, four nephews, one niece, about four generations of cousins, also two very elderly aunts. Leonard was truly a unique person. In three words: left-handed, loving, and genius. He was the one that would call you and insist on a conversation even though you said you were busy. He was that one who kept in touch with everybody. He was that one that once he started something...a job, an education, a relationship....he stuck with it to the end. He was very witty and loved to press people's laughter button, even if they had no idea what he was talking about .....a trait he inherited from his father. He is sorely missed already. One is never ready for this type of loss. It really hurts. We love you Gary. Rest in peace. ************************* Psalm 37:23-25 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.