Leonard Carmichael

Leonard Carmichael, affectionately known as 'Lenny,' was the first of three children born to the late Lennon Carmichael and Gladys L. Carmichael on April 7, 1948, in Trenton, New Jersey. He entered into eternal rest on Monday, April 15, 2024.

A beloved figure in both his personal and professional life, Leonard graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1966. Early on, he excelled academically and in extracurricular activities, demonstrating his nascent leadership and athletic skills. In 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), where he distinguished himself not only in academics but also on the basketball court, serving as the Captain of the ECSU Basketball Team. His exceptional skills earned him All-American honors, and his significant contributions to the team and university sports led to his induction into the university's Hall of Fame. Leonard's time at ECSU was foundational, shaping him into a mentor and leader who would go on to influence countless young lives through education and sports.

Leonard's professional journey spanned over three decades as an educator and coach, not only in New Jersey but also in Florida and North Carolina. His career culminated in a triumphant return to his alma mater, Elizabeth City State University, in 2011 as Head Coach of Cross Country and Track and Field. Over the years, Leonard's illustrious coaching tenure included positions at various prestigious educational institutions. In New Jersey, he shaped young athletes at Trenton Central High School, Pennsauken High School, Cinnaminson High School, Burlington County Community College (Pemberton Campus), Middlesex Community College, Crockett Middle School, Hopewell Valley High School, Nottingham High School, and Granville Charter School. He also made significant contributions in Florida at Jones High School in Orlando and in Camden, New Jersey at Woodrow Wilson High School. His leadership in basketball and track was marked by a deep commitment to developing both the athletic skills and character of his students.

Among his numerous accolades, Leonard was recognized multiple times as Coach of the Year and was honored with induction into the CIAA's John B. McLendon, Jr. Hall of Fame. Beyond his professional achievements, Leonard was a Fall 69’ initiate of the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. In addition, he held memberships in the Trenton Alumni, Burlington-Camden Alumni, and Elizabeth City Alumni Chapters and was currently a life member. He also maintained memberships in the ECSU Alumni Association, Woodland Lodge Prince Hall Masons in Bordentown, NJ, and was a retired member of the New Jersey Army National Guard.

Leonard's commitment to his community and his alma mater was profound; he was instrumental in guiding over 800 students to ECSU and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His legacy is also celebrated through the “Leonard Carmichael Summer Basketball League,” at Mercer County Park, a testament to his enduring influence in youth sports.

In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded by his grandparents Lonnie & Lennie Carmichael and BeLove & Minnie Hall; one uncle Marcus Hall (Berniece) and three aunts; Georgia Green (William), Pauline Carmichael & Flossie Laws (Frank); father-in-law, George Jones and mother-in-law; Eleanor Josie Jones; one brother-in-law, Leon Pickett. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Bruce (Gloria) and Karen Carmichael, whose memories remain a cherished part of his storied legacy.

Leonard leaves behind to forever cherish his memories and legacy his loving wife of fifty-three years, Ann Carmichael; children, Leonard Jr., Monica, Byron (Danica), and Bryce; and grandchildren, Bridget, Kelsey, and Tyler Carmichael. Leonard is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Enola Pickett, nephews and nieces, Kyle, Michael Carmichael, Heather (Derrick) McCall, Sonia Thomas (Franklin), Eunice Roberts, Charles Fisher (Carla), James Pickett (Tyra), Wytopia Lee (Kenneth), Guyana, as well as a host of other relatives and an abundance of godchildren, friends, students, teammates, colleagues, coaches, alumni, mentees, fraternal brothers and kinships. Leonard Carmichael’s life was a beacon of leadership and mentorship, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Funeral service will be 11am Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 340 Rev. S. Howard Woodson Jr Way, Trenton, NJ 08618.  Calling hours will be 8am until time of service. Interment will be at 9:30am Monday, April 29, 2024 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA . 

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