Leonard L. Koval

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Leonard L. Koval, 92, a beloved husband, father, grandfather,

great-grandfather (Zedo), brother, and friend who departed this life on Sunday, September 7, 2025, while in the care of the

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.

Born Friday, June 30, 1933, in Wilkes-Barre, Leonard’s life was shaped by service, loyalty, and love. He was one of three

children of the late Stephen and Anna (Makuch) Koval of North Wilkes-Barre. A 1951 graduate of the former James M.

Coughlin High School, Leonard went on to serve his country with honor as a Private First Class in the United States Marine

Corps during the Korean Conflict. He enlisted on April 13, 1953, and was honorably discharged on April 12, 1955.

He later joined the Pennsylvania State Police, stationed in Harrisburg and York County. But it was within the firehouse that

Leonard discovered his true calling. For more than forty years with the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, he served with

courage and devotion, proudly wearing the number one badge as a symbol of his duty. To his fellow firefighters, he was a

brother; to his community, he was their protector. Faithful to his Roman Catholic faith, Leonard was a devoted member of Saint

Stanislaus Kostka in Wilkes-Barre. He also held proud memberships in the International Association of Firefighters, Local

#104, the Marine Corps League, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the North

End Slovak Citizens Club, and the Polish American Veterans of Plains Township.

Yet Leonard’s life was far more than uniforms and service. He was the man behind the camera, quietly capturing family

milestones so others could live in the moment. He was at home in the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and clamming whenever he

could. He was known for his sharp aim at the dartboard, his laughter in the company of friends, and the way his harmonica

filled every birthday with song. Where his hands once fought the blaze to save a neighbor, they later turned to the kitchen

stove, offering a gentler kind of rescue around the family dinner table.

He and his wife, the former Mary R. (McDaniels) Koval, celebrated sixty-seven years of marriage on March 1 of this year.

Leonard was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Koval. Besides his beloved Mary, he will be dearly missed by his

children: Donna Martin and her husband James T. Martin, Jr. of Forty Fort; Richard Koval and his wife Wendy of Laurel Run;

and Janet Koval and her fiancé Michael Ullman of Wilkes-Barre. He leaves behind grandchildren including David Koval and

wife Lori; Steven Koval and fiancé Melissa Duda; Jimmy T. Martin and wife Rachael; and Kaitlyn Fitzgerald and husband

Michael. Great-grandchildren Lennon, Hartlee, and Deane Fitzgerald; Miles Martin, and Jayce Koval will carry his legacy

forward. Also surviving are his sister, Ann Marie Murray of South Carolina, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cherished

friends, and the many brothers in uniform who proudly stood beside him in service.

Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Koval and her family for visitation and shared remembrances Thursday, September 11th

from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Funeral

services for Mr. Koval will be conducted Saturday, September 13th with his funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Elizabeth Ann

Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville. The Reverend John J. Chmil, Pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations in Leonard’s honor would be greatly appreciated to the National Fallen

Firefighters Foundation at www.firehero.org. Those wishing to share words of comfort or a fond memory with Mrs. Koval and

her family are encouraged to visit Leonard’s memorial page at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com.

“The last alarm has sounded, and he has gone home.” —The Firefighter’s Farewell

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