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Leo Kindon

Leo “Hap” Kindon, beloved teacher, and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024 surrounded by loving family.

He was born in 1952, in Philadelphia on his mother’s birthday. After graduating from Roman Catholic High School in 1970, Leo dedicated his life to the pursuit of education, inspiring countless students with his passion for the English language, literature, grammar and technology.

After completing his studies at Lasalle, Leo embarked on a distinguished teaching career that spanned over 48 years. He spent his early career teaching English at Monsignor Bonner and North Catholic High School. He then moved up to the Studies Department at North Catholic High School. The last 38 years of his teaching career was spent at Malvern Preparatory School.

For a few years Leo taught night classes at Delaware County Community College and spent many summers managing the Aronimink Swim Club. During his career, he returned to Temple and earned a certificate as a Reading Specialist, and he also attended Philadelphia University where he earned a degree in Informational Technology.

He was not just a teacher, but a mentor and a friend, always ready to offer guidance, support, and a listening ear. His dedication to his craft earned him numerous awards and accolades, but for Leo, the true reward was seeing his students flourish.

Leo’s love for teaching was matched only by his love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather. His legacy of kindness, wisdom, and compassion will live on in the heart of those who knew him.

Leo is survived by his loving spouse, MaryAnn, his children, Jessica Gonska (m. Brent), Amy Kramer (m. Pete), Joseph Kindon, and his four grandchildren Jane, Charlotte, Jack, and Leo, to whom he was a source of endless joy and inspiration. He is predeceased by his parents, Emily and W. Fred, brother Joe, and sister Julianna. Survived also by brother Fred and sister Maryanne (m. Becca). Other family members include in-laws and several nieces and nephews, who were a big part of his life.

A memorial service to celebrate Leo‘s life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024at 11:00 am at Saint Bernadette of Lourdes Parish, 1035 Turner Ave Drexel HillPA 19026. A visitation will be held prior to mass from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (https://www.stjude.org/donate/) or the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106, (htps://www.alz.org/delval) .

Leo will be deeply missed by his family, friends and many students whose lives he touched. His spirit, along with his wisdom and love for education, will forever remain a guiding light in the community.

Funeral Services

A memorial service to celebrate Leo‘s life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024at 11:00 am at Saint Bernadette of Lourdes Parish, 1035 Turner Ave Drexel HillPA 19026. A visitation will be held prior to mass from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Condolences

    Gary Duda writes,
    Leo was a true treasure in the MP community and will be sorely missed. The impact he had on the students he taught/coached, colleagues he mentored, and family & friends he loved...simply cannot be measured. Thoughts & prayers go out to MaryAnn and the Kindon family. Rest in peace my brother. Gary
    03/19/2024 10:59 am
    Paul Pizzica lit a candle and writes,
    My favorite teacher at Malvern. Such a guiding light at the school, who taught us that the “creams rises to the top.” I will miss Leo.
    03/19/2024 11:25 am
    evelyn light lit a candle and writes,
    MaryAnn and family, Our sincerest condolences Jim and Ev Light
    03/19/2024 11:34 am
    Rich Roper lit a candle and writes,
    The man whom I always set as my example for many things, but especially for teaching. His constant comment of "Keep Smiling" resonates with me every day. The kids KNEW he loved them, even when he was correcting their grammar! You are sorely missed, my good friend.
    03/19/2024 12:34 pm
    Thad Kirk lit a candle and writes,
    I am so sad to hear of Leo's passing. Leo was my first boss, at Aronimink where I worked for five summers. He taught me as a young man about the value and dignity of work. Those lessons remain with me today. His mantra to "keep smiling" (of which I am happily reminded by Rich Roper's comment) is one to live by--and one that Leo practiced faithfully. Sincere condolences to the Kindon family and to all who knew and loved Leo. He will be missed. Thad Kirk Malvern Prep Class of 2006
    03/19/2024 12:44 pm
    John Zurawski lit a candle and writes,
    Some of the most memorable and most impactful experiences as a student for me were in Mr. Kindon’s class. From summer study guides, to vocab quizzes and Catcher in the Rye, his class taught us more about raising our own standards for ourselves rather than just meeting his. I had the pleasure of seeing my son take one of Mr. Kindon’s last English classes before his retirement. What an experience. A one-of-a-kind teacher, mentor, and friend. A force at Malvern Prep. My condolences to the entire Kindon family. He will always be missed. And always as being a part of my (family’s) life.
    03/19/2024 09:00 pm
    Fred & Joanne Maugle lit a candle and writes,
    We are so very sorry. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
    03/20/2024 08:10 am
    Katie Dixon lit a candle and writes,
    What a tremendous loss for all who knew and loved Leo. His dedication to his work and students remains an example to all of us. He would light up whenever he talked about his family. Leo was a true friend in every sense of the word. He lived his life with integrity and improved so many lives as a result of that. I will miss, my friend, and will carry your memory with me. My thoughts and prayers are with MaryAnn, Leo's family and all who are morning his loss.
    03/20/2024 01:11 pm
    BudTosti lit a candle and writes,
    An educator, coach, mentor and friend to so many. You and your good pal Charlie (McLaughlin ) are most assuredly in the Mt. Rushmore of teachers. The lives you influenced, the impact you had on so many, the love you had for teaching and your students is exceeded only by the love you had for Maryanne, Amy Jess, Joe, and your grandchildren. I was blessed to work with you and fortunate to call you my good friend. Rest in peace Hap.
    03/20/2024 04:38 pm
    Peggie Castagna writes,
    May you rest in peace and peace to you and your family Peggie castagna
    03/20/2024 05:06 pm
    Anne Cassidy writes,
    Dear Mrs. Kindon, Joe, Jessica and Amy, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you experience the loss of a fine man! Joe, your Dad was always so proud of you ( as well he should be). It was my privilege to share many enjoyable school days at Saint Kevin’s with you, Joe, and your Dad and Mom were delightful parents - ever so kind and supportive of you and me. In the path of education, the dedication and spirit of a Leo Kindon will remain present in all whom he met.
    03/23/2024 01:00 am
    Kathy barry writes,
    Oh so long ago, when we were kids. Thanks for the memories. A relationship that you can’t get out of your head, which you thought had faded long ago but is still … Rest in peace. KB
    03/23/2024 04:03 am
    Paul Hornsleth lit a candle and writes,
    I had the pleasure & honor to work with Leo for over thirty years. We have read so many tributes to Leo. He was always genuine with his caring for you and your daily challenges as a teacher. I always considered Leo as the “Dean of the MP Staff”. Thank you Leo for being there for me and so many fellow colleagues! All the Best to Maryanne, Amy, Jess and Joe. Leo was so proud of his family! Please continue to guide us from Above!
    03/25/2024 01:55 pm
    John Mullen lit a candle and writes,
    Leo Kindon was my first teacher at Bonner in September 1979: English, first period, freshman year. All Quiet on the Western Front, among other classics. Eight years later, Leo became my primary mentor when I joined him on the faculty at Malvern. It was my first job, right out of college, and (as one of our colleagues would have put it) I “hadn’t a clue” how to manage a classroom full of 12-14 year old boys. If I did anything well in my two years at Malvern, it was mostly due to Leo’s advice and example. A few years later, Leo became my neighbor and friend when my young family settled in St. Bernadette Parish in Drexel Hill. It was always great to see Leo at church or on Concord Avenue, and I continued to heed his advice and follow his example. I knew I would miss seeing him when he and MaryAnn moved to Delaware to be closer to the kids and grandkids, but he’s in an even better place now. Thanks for everything, Leo. We will keep you and all of the Kindon family in our prayers.
    03/25/2024 05:30 pm
    John Knebels writes,
    Leo’s integrity, and kind and compassionate manner, has left quite the impact on thousands of people. What a wonderful legacy.
    03/26/2024 06:18 am
    Charles Crawford lit a candle and writes,
    Sending thoughts and prayers from the Class of 1980 - Monsignor Bonner H.S. Rest in peace Mr. Kindon.
    03/26/2024 11:59 am
    Jim Stinger lit a candle and writes,
    There was nothing more booming and yet, more comforting than a Leo Kindon laugh. It was a badge of honor if you could inspire that laugh. I have to steal a thought from our friend Jim Kirchner, Leo was as old school as you could get in terms of values and work ethic. Yet, he embraced and lead with all the new innovations of technology in education. That's Leo: Values and learning new. You knew where he came from (East Falls),what he stood for and how beaming proud of his family he was. And he wanted you to be proud of your roots and family. He was an amazing example of a teacher, husband and father. Thanks Leo for always looking out for you co-workers and your students. I know you are booming a laugh with Chaz and Stew.
    03/29/2024 04:29 pm
    Daniel lit a candle and writes,
    Mr. Kindon was my ninth grade English teacher in 1998. I happened to look up his name just now. I remember reading A Separate Peace and Fahrenheit 451, as well as Edith Hamilton’s book on Greek mythology. Mr. Kindon lost his own father during that year. I remember him telling me to smile. Hopefully I didn’t butt heads with him too much back in those days!I I pray to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, to have mercy on his soul, and to grant him eternal rest. Requiem aeternam dona ei Et lux perpetua luceat ei Requiescat in pace.
    07/30/2024 09:02 pm

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