Leonard J. Jung

LEONARD J. JUNG (Age 97)  Former Navy Band Chief Musician Leonard Jung died December 5, 2016. Leonard was born on November 20, 1919 in St Cloud, Minnesota to Marie Kemper and Frank Jung, the youngest of 5 siblings, including Frances, Herbert, Richard and Mildred. Growing up he enjoyed hunting, fishing and swimming, and attended the St Cloud Teachers’ College.  In 1941 Leonard joined the Navy, studied at the Navy School of Music ,and was assigned to the USS Northampton. On November 30, 1942 during the Battle of Tassafaronga the Northampton was sunk by the Japanese. Thanks to his swimming skills, Leonard saved another sailor’s life. He received a Letter of Commendation from Admiral Halsey for his bravery, and when asked about it he laughed and said he’d lost his favorite tuba. He was then assigned to the new Battleship New Jersey. While playing at a USO event in DC in 1945, he met Rose Marie Gaidula, and they were married in the Navy Chapel in DC on November 3, 1945 . They moved to Radiant Valley MD and had 7 children. In addition to his role as principal tubist in the Navy Band in WDC, Leonard was a talented bass fiddle player with his own dance band, the Knights of Rhythm.  After he retired from the Navy in 1964 he worked for the Research Analysis Corporation, and the Navy Photographic Center as the Music and Sound Effects Motion Picture Editor.  He provided 38 years of government service upon retirement. He enjoyed  hunting, trap shooting, tuning pianos, metal detecting, reading non-fiction, watching horror movies, and eating chocolate. We enjoyed many Washington Senators games with him and he was an avid fan of the Redskins and Nats. Leonard returned to the concert stage playing tuba with the National Concert Band and Virginia Grand Military Band.  He was a world class musician, WWII hero, and a funny and loving father. He is survived by his wife Rose Marie,  nieces and nephews, and his children: Eric, Neil, Sharon Zeller (TJ), Kathy Furtwengler (Joe), Denny (Lisa), Mary Ann Plott (Tom), Madelyn Byrd (James). 4 grandchildren: Dominique, Jason, Paul, and Joe and 2 great-grandchildren, Peyton and Joleen. Viewing will be at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie December 11 , 1:00-4:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel in Bowie December 12, 10:30 am.