Leonard Joseph Mikolajczyk, 83, of Granby quietly passed away in the comfort of his own home Saturday, March 2, 2024. Leonard was born on March 28, 1940, in South Hadley to the late Stanley and Bertha (Ciolek) Mikolajczyk. He was the second child of five siblings. His eldest sister Carol Boardway predeceased him in 2009, leaving behind sisters Joan Mikolajczyk and Sandra Zieminski along with his brother Robert Mikolajczyk. Leonard was a kindhearted and thoughtful person who grew up in a very humble environment. After graduating South Hadley High School, Leonard joined the Air Force serving in Vietnam. While stationed in Japan he met the love of his life, Kiyoko, whom he romanced by learning to speak, read, and write Japanese. They married at the American consulate and returned to the United States where they lived until Kiyoko passed in 2001.

Leonard worked at the University of Massachusetts as an electronics technician for multiple decades. His passion for learning was always present, being an avid reader, he constantly sought truth and knowledge, becoming quite adept in many disciplines. Leonard briefly worked in construction which led him to design and assist with the building of his own home. He had vast interests which brought him great joy like baking, health, exercise, collecting items of nature, history, and anything that sparked his curiosity. Leonard especially had an affinity for the outdoors, loving all things of nature, especially wildlife. A devoted gardener he tended to vegetables, plants and his flowerbeds of peonies, bearded irises, and Chinese lantern plants, while also helping to create gardens for family and friends.

One of Leonard's favorite past times was to ask questions to those who intrigued him and that he could learn from. A beloved saying of his "Do you know why we were born?" with which he would simply reply "to live." Leonard did just that, a life filled with productive experiences and people who cared and loved him.

Leonard also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandnieces. Calling hours will be at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley on Sunday, March 10th from 3PM to 6PM. The Funeral precession will form on Monday March 11th at 9AM at O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley. The Funeral Mass will take place at 10AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby. Committal prayers to follow at West Street Cemetery in Granby. Memorial contributions in Leonard's memory can be made to Kids Gardening, 132 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT 05401, kidsgardening.org or an organization of your choice.