VERONICA C. GADOMSKI-LEONARD Veronica C. Gadomski-Leonard, 98, of Linden, NJ died peacefully at home on Monday, July 2, 2018. Born in Perth Amboy, NJ, in 1919, Veronica was the sixth of seven children born of Polish immigrant parents, Wojciech and Victoria Gadomski. She attended St. Stephen’s Grammar School and St. Mary’s High School in Perth Amboy.
She was one of only two women of the 52 members of the Newark School of Law class of 1941, later Rutgers Law School. She was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1942. Veronica’s first job out of law school was as legal department head for the NJ Shipbuilding Company that produced LSTs, Landing Ship Tanks, used during WW II.
She and her late husband, Charles E. Leonard met in law school and were married in 1945 following Charles’ military service in WWII. Charles and Veronica established the firm of Leonard and Leonard in 1961 in Linden, NJ and practiced together until Charles’ death in 1977. Veronica continued to practice law after her husband’s death.
Her son Stephen joined her in the law practice in 1982. Veronica concentrated her practice in the areas of family law, wills and estates until she retired in 2009. Veronica was active in professional and civic organizations including the Union County Women Lawyers, League of Women Voters, Linden Library Board, Linden Business and Professional Women’s Club and Soroptomists International.
She was proud of her Polish heritage and belonged to the Polish University Club, Polish National Alliance, Polish Legion of American Veterans and the Kosciuszko Foundation . She was a long standing member of St. Theresa’s Church of Linden. Veronica was a founding member of the Linden Debutante Foundation and the Linden Pulaski Day Parade Committee.
In addition to her law practice and civic and Polish organizations, Veronica was the first female staff attorney in the Union County Counsel’s office, the first woman appointed Assistant Union County Counsel and the first woman who served as Union County Treasurer. She is survived by her five children, Charles (Chuck) Leonard, John Leonard, wife Constance, Victoria Leonard-Impellizeri, husband Paul, Stephen Leonard, wife Deborah and Robert Leonard, wife Missy. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren whom she loved very much.
The children are grateful to Veronica’s companion and care giver, Halina Golczewska. Mrs. Leonard was predeceased by her brothers Dr. Casimir, Albert, Walter, Edward, & Dr. Joseph Gadomski, and sister Helen Hynes. Visitation shall be at the Krowicki-McCracken Funeral Home on Friday, July 6 from 4 to 8 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Theresa’s Church, Linden, on Saturday, July 7 at 10 am followed by burial at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Colonia, NJ. Donations in Veronica’s memory would be appreciated to the Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1900 Raritan Rd. , Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 or to Covenant House, NJ, 330 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102.
Arrangements by Krowicki-McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 E. St. Georges Ave. , Linden, NJ, 908-352-9190. For directions and on-line condolences, visit krowickifuneralhome.com.
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