Rochester, NY: Leonard “Lenny” Ragland was called home on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at the age of 70.
Leonard was born to Marietta Ragland and Lawrence Jefferson on December 4, 1949 in St. Louis, MO, the youngest boy of 20 children. He was a loving member of a large family that produced an excess of over 250+ nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and additional extended family members.
Leonard met his wife, Pearlie (Washington) Ragland at Madison High School in Rochester, NY in 1966. They married on November 28, 1968 and went on to have two children, Yolanda and Leonard, Jr.
Leonard was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was exceedingly proud of Yolanda, Leonard, Jr. and Pearl and always did his best to support them.
Leonard was also a passionate sports fan and could often be found watching sports and spending time with his family and friends.
Anyone who knew Leonard knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for.
He was predeceased by his parents Marietta Ragland and Lawrence Jefferson, and siblings Cora, Ruby, Ruth, Percy, Douglas, Rose, William, Jackie, Edward, Carl, Eugene and the twins. He is survived by his daughter, Yolanda Ragland; son, Leonard Ragland, Jr.; exwife, Pearlie Ragland; granddaughters, Asha Ragland, Jasmine Ragland, Maisha Burch and Le’Asha Simmons; great grandson, Mylo Beard; siblings, Joseph (Marilyn) Ragland, Floyd (Maxine) Ragland, James (Patricia) Ragland, Leo Ragland, Synovia Robinson, Lawrence Ragland and Marialice Fields; and a host nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Yolanda Ragland at 382 First Street, Rochester, NY 14605 or Leonard Ragland, Jr. at 202 Marne Street, Rochester, NY 14609. There will not be a funeral or service at this time. We will be scheduling a Celebration of Life at a future date after the pandemic restrictions have been lifted.