Service
Friday, August 6, 2021 | Wake: 10:00 a.m. | Service: 11:00 a.m.
St. Nicholas Catholic Church | 8603 Contee Road | Laurel, MD 20708
Celebration of Life for Leonard John Mnkande
Livestream Link
Due to COVID-19 precautions, the family asks that all attendees wear a mask.
Interment
Maryland National Cemetery - 13300 Baltimore Avenue - Laurel, MD 20707
Repast
Private
In lieu of flowers and in parallel with his charitable character we suggest a donation to one of the following causes:
The Maryland Food Bank
A general donation in memory of Leonard Mnkande
https://mdfoodbank.org/donate/
To continue to support the community in Tanzania in his honor:
Cash App: $LeonardMnkande
Our beloved Leonard John Mnkande was born on June 30, 1956, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the second of four children of the late Yohana Samuel Mnkande and Anna (Ludovic) Mnkande. He departed this life on July 28, 2021.
Leonard attended school in Tanzania and arrived in the United States in 1973 with his family. He attended Strayer University and shortly transferred to American University. In 1977, Leonard received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from American University. He later returned to Strayer University, where he obtained his second degree in Computer Programming in 1984.
After earning his second degree, Leonard started his career as a Consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. Through the years, he demonstrated his expertise and craft in computer programming. He continued to work at Booz Allen Hamilton for over 30 years and was a Project Manager at the time of his death.
A servant at heart, Leonard frequently served as a volunteer throughout his life. He served as a hospitality volunteer at his parish, St. Nicholas Catholic Church; Habitat for Humanity, Winter Shelter— helping the homeless and helping gather donations; and helped coach his children’s sports teams. Leonard also played a pivotal role in collecting and providing donations for his home community in Dar es Salaam. He also provided educational support for numerous family members, friends in the community.
At a party with friends, he met a beautiful young lady, Jacqueline (Jackie) Pinkard, who would become his wife until his death. They loved one another so much that they married three times—November 2, 1984, March 22, 1986 (in Tanzania), and September 27, 1986. Their union produced three children, Gabrielle Joan Leandra, Andrew Yohanna Robert, and Adriana Margaret Rose.
Leonard was a wonderful husband, father, uncle, brother, son, and friend. He was an all-around great guy and greatly loved by all who were fortunate to know him. He was an exponentially kind and gentle spirit. Leonard fancied himself a comedian of sorts; if you spent any time with him, you knew just how funny he was (or wasn’t). His comedy produced one of the familiar phrases we all remember when thinking of him, “Oh, Leonard”/ “Dad!”. Leonard loved to dance and could be the life of the party. He also loved going fishing with his children, family, and friends. In addition, Leonard loved soccer, running, and cycling. He was a super hard worker, conscientious, and dedicated to providing quality results. He was always willing to help. He had such a peaceful and giving spirit, which we all know will be dearly missed.
Leonard was preceded in death by his brother Andrew Mnkande and his parents Yohana and Anna Mnkande. His inspirational life will forever be cherished by his wife Jacqueline (Pinkard) Mnkande; children: Gabrielle, Andrew, and Adriana (Benjamin) Mnkande; brother Samuel (Joyce) Mnkande, sister Josephine (Folajaiye) Fasida; adopted sister Elizabeth Ludovic; mother-in-law Addie Pinkard; brother-in-law Fernard (Deborah) Purnell; five sisters-in-law: Valerie (Melvin) Staten, Shirley (Sylvester) Milton, Nannette Pinkard, Rosalind Pinkard, and Hope (Patrick) Jacobson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
