ONEONTA - Ralph Leonard Jr., 39, of Oneonta, was called home to be with Jesus and be reunited with his best friend, Copper, on Aug. 11, 2022, following a valiant battle with juvenile diabetes.

He was born on Oct. 2, 1982, in Oneonta.

Ralph grew up being the oldest of four siblings, a role that he took seriously and was proud of. He was known for his huge heart and contagious smile.

Ralph was a 4-sport athlete throughout his years in school. Ralph's kindness and hard work would always show through on snow days when he would shovel out every house on the block. Ralph was always finding the good in people that others did not see, and always thought he could fix the world. His passions included cooking, kayaking, Boston sports teams and those who really knew Ralph, knew he truly had a green thumb and loved to garden.

He is survived by the love of his life, his daughter, Journey; his loving parents, Belinda and Joseph Nixon; brothers, Ryan Leonard, Justin (Mallory) Murphy; sister, Alicia (Michael) Simonds; stepbrother, Joseph Nixon; nieces and nephews, McKinley, Tatum, Teagan, Hayden, Joey and Khloe; grandparents, Robert (Janet) Adam and Joyce Adam; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving friends.

Calling hours will be held at MacArthur Funeral Home, 134 Main St., Delhi, from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday Aug. 19. A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday Aug. 20, at Fortin Park, 167 Youngs Road, Oneonta. Please come and share a memory of Ralph and help our family celebrate his life.

Share condolences with Ralph's family online at www.macarthurfh.com.