Leon F. Beaty

Leon Fauntly Beaty passed away peacefully in his home on February 17, 2018 at age 91. Leon, nicknamed Lonny, grew up in the mill town of Savage, Maryland, where as a child of the depression, he owned his own snowball business and vegetable stand. As a teenager, he attended Elkridge High School, where he earned lead roles in dramatic productions and was a regular performer in local musical groups, singing and playing the accordion.  At the young age of 16, he managed the Acme Grocery Store in northwest Washington, D.C.

Leon graduated from high school at age 17 and enlisted in the US Army. From 1944 to 1946, he served in General MacArthur’s headquarters in both the Philippines and Japan, where he was part of the Repatriation Efforts. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and served in the Army Reserves. After the war ended, he attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he studied Pre-Law. He was a loyal Terp alumni, a member of Terrapin Club, and a season ticket holder for MD football for many years.

He married Margarita Elizabeth Bonfield, from Swanage, England in 1953, and later moved to Anne Arundel County.  He contributed greatly to the growing community of Glen Burnie. He served as a two term Commander of the Post 40 American Legion, President of the Glen Burnie Little League Association, and Junior Achievement leader. He was a dedicated volunteer, coaching little league baseball and serving as Master of Ceremonies for variety shows at Oakwood Elementary School. He was member of the Baltimore Traffic Club, Veterans of Foreign War, and the Lions Club.

He worked at Kennecott Copper Refining Corporation for over 25 years, rising through the ranks to Traffic Manager. He was a regular contributor to the company magazine with his own humor column, the Beaty Beat, and cartoon series.  One of his greatest accomplishments in life was serving as the United Steel Worker union organizer for clerical workers at Kennecott. In retirement, he worked for 12 years as legislative aid in Annapolis, MD, for Senator Tom Yeager of Howard County.

For years he maintained a 2-acre garden and was famous for his front yard tomato stand. He was dedicated to his family. He cared for his wife during her seven year battle with Alzheimer’s. Every year he hosted a family vacation in Corolla, North Carolina, where he served as chef for all meals. He was famous for his spaghetti dinners and country style breakfasts.  For friends, he hosted annual souper-feasts where he served up delicious home-made soups and breads. His love for family vacations led him to purchase a family vacation home in Rehoboth, Delaware at age 89. In the last year of his life he became social media savvy, with Facebook and Twitter accounts and joined the Savage Historical Society, where he delivered lectures on the history of Savage.

He is survived by 2 daughters, Robin Harrington and husband Timothy Harrington of Linthicum, Mary Ellen Beaty-O’Ferrall and husband John O’Ferrall of Catonsville, and son Robert Beaty and wife, Joanna Beaty, of Pasadena, six granddaughters, one grandson, and two great granddaughters, and two beloved cats.