Thomas (Cubby) E. Leonard, age 70, of Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, formerly of Highland, Wisconsin, passed away while hospitalized in Tbilisi, surrounded by his wife, son, and sister-in-law, on April 23, 2026, after a brief battle with metastatic stomach cancer.
Thomas was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Iowa County, on August 29, 1955, the son of Francis E. Leonard and Angeline C. Leonard (Nihles). Cub was an avid coin collector, starting at a very young age and continuing throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed hunting, reading, traveling, and visiting with family and friends. Cub worked as a government contractor for many years which gave him the opportunity to travel the world, eventually meeting the love of his life, Marina, whom he married on July 21, 1995.
In 2013, Cub miraculously survived a rare form of Malaria, p. falciparum, contracted while on a work assignment in Mali, with symptoms developing on a subsequent job in Dublin, Ireland. He became gravely ill and was not expected to survive.
He had a near-death experience while hospitalized in Dublin. His recovery was solely dependent on the hospital medical staff in Dublin and the unwavering support of Marina at his side. With the love and support of Marina, family, and friends, Cub had a full recovery with 13 more wonderful years of life to enjoy, for which all of us are forever grateful.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Marina Leonard, whose support was a source of strength during his life and throughout his brief illness; his son, Frankie Leonard, of Tbilisi; and a sister-in-law, Diana Vardi, of Tbilisi. He is also survived by his 9 siblings: Rosemary (Roger) Schrader of Milton, James Leonard of Highland, Char (Mike) VanKeuren of Waunakee, Mark (Tracey) Leonard of Viroqua, Donna (Steve) Washa of McFarland, Sue (Craig) Stamm of Evansville, Karey (Ron) Leonard- Berg of New Glarus, Edward (Cindy) Leonard of Hollandale, Jeff (Brenda) Leonard of Linden, Susan Miess of Dodgeville (David Leonard’s partner for 34 years); and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Angie Leonard; a brother, David Leonard; father-inlaw, Joseph Vardi; and mother-inlaw, Flora Vardi.
His loved ones are grateful to the medical hospital staff in Tbilisi for their care and support during Cub’s final weeks.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. at the Dodger Bowl, 321 King Street, Dodgeville, to share memories and honor “Cubby.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.