Leonard R. Muhlich

Leonard R. Muhlich passed away suddenly on May 18, 2024, at the age of 80.

Len was born on October 6, 1943, to Leonard and Rosa Muhlich in Queens, NY. His family soon moved to Phoenicia, NY, and the Catskill Mountains would become his favorite place. Len went to Ithaca College for undergrad, where he was a top athlete in football, baseball and track. His love of sports led him to get his Master of Education from SUNY Albany, with a successful career teaching physical education and coaching varsity baseball - with many championships under his belt. Len spent his first three years teaching at Richfield Springs, and the following 30 years at South Colonie. He made lasting impressions on his students and players, many of whom he kept in touch with after retiring in 1998. In 2022, Coach Muhlich was inducted into the Colonie Athletic Hall of Fame.

Len was predeceased by his wife, Ilona, and is survived by his two children, Jeremy (Catherine) and Sara (Daniel). He was the very best “Pop” to his five grandchildren: Chloe (12), Leo (10), Noelle (8), Hazel (5) and Marlowe (6m). He is also survived by his older sisters, Mary Anne (Edward) Sedlmeier and Doris (Jim) Davis.

Len’s favorite place to be was outdoors, and anyone dropping by for a visit can attest to that. He spent his free time walking, golfing, traveling, working on his antique car and historic house, and most importantly - being with his wife and best friend, Ilona. He truly put others before himself, always being the first one to show up when a favor was needed or something broken needed fixing. Len also volunteered as a Senior Services van driver every week for 25 years. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends. He was, and will continue to be, everyone’s favorite person.

Donations in Len’s memory may be made to Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. or the Nature Conservancy.