Our Dad, Leonard Raymond Cory died peacefully in the early morning of Saturday August 08, 2020 at the age of 90.
He had resided for the past few years at the Olivenhain Guest Home. Leonard was born at home on December 4, 1929, to Sam and Lilly Cory.
A native of Encinitas, he was from a well-established family. His father Sam started Cory Dry Goods in 1924 in downtown Encinitas and Leonard worked as an usher at the La Paloma Theater as a teenager. Sam and Lilly endured the Great Depression, trading food for clothing. Those were tough times, and Leonard and his brother Ed helped their dad and mom get through them.
He married his high school sweetheart, Ann, whom he met at San Dieguito High School. Leonard and Ann were married before graduating, but kept it a secret. He carried on his father’s legacy by growing the store to become Cory Brother’s Men’s Clothing (later Leonard’s Traditions). Working the clothing stores was his main focus, but he also sold clothing on the road for various companies. Along with other local businessman, he was instrumental in starting San Dieguito National Bank, and grew it into multiple locations before eventually selling it.
He had amazing support from his wife Ann, and four children, Linda, Larry, Laurie and Lynette. In addition, his entrepreneurial skills, he was known for his athleticism. Leonard was also a pilot and a barber.
Leonard is survived by his son Larry Cory of Cathedral City, Calif.; his daughters, Linda Roskovics of Henderson, Nev., and Lynette Cory; his son-in-law John Bianchi; granddaughter Nicole Mareno of Atlanta, Ga., and grandson Anthony Bianchi.
