Leonard G. Tilney, Jr., Attorney at Law, Acting Lockport City Court Judge, Lockport Town Justice and model railroad enthusiast, passed away July 28, 2026 in Mercy Hospital of South Buffalo.   He was predeceased by his wife Clara A. Tilney (2016), his parents, Leonard G. and Gertrude A. (Scheffer) Tilney, a brother, Robert L. Tilney, and brother-in-law Samuel L.Turco. Leonard is survived by, his son, Thomas L. Tilney, of Nolensville, Tennessee and three grandchildren, Samuel T., Sophia A., and Alexa S. Tilney, his sister, Marcia G. Tilney, a sister-in-law Mary Turco and niece Deanna Turco. Leonard was born in Lockport, New York in 1947, received an A.A. in liberal arts (Classical Languages) from the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary (1966), a B.A. in history from Canisius College (1968), a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law (1971) and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Universal Life Church (2006). He was admitted to the practice of law in New York in 1972. Mr. Tilney was also admitted to the United States District Court for the Western District of New York (1974), the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York (1974), and the Supreme Court of the United States of America (1975). He had argued more than 300 appellate cases in the Third and Fourth Judicial Departments and in the New York State Court of Appeals in his lifetime.

He was active in many professional, civic, and trade activities, having been a member of the New York State Magistrates Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Niagara County Bar Association, Eastern Niagara Chamber of Commerce, the Erie Canal Task Force, Friends of the Towpath Trolley, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Parents Council of Lockport High School Club Hockey, Coach in the Lockport Little League, and member of the Town of Lockport Fireworks Committee. He was known as "Mr. Optimist", having joined the Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport, Inc. in 1972, and served as its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. He had held the office of Secretary of the Club for over 25 years and had served on its Board of Directors for over 45 years. On the New York District Level he twice served as Lt. Governor of Zone 2, was District Secretary Treasurer three times and a Distinguished District Governor in 1985-1986 when the District led Optimist International in membership growth. He also served as chairman on Statewide District Level committees such as Youth Activities, Junior World Golf, New Club Building, Leadership Development, Membership, Essay Contest, Club Services, Community Services, and was Finance Chairman for over 20 years. On the International Level, he served Optimist International as Chairman of the following Committees: International Development, International Convention, Resolutions, Constitution and By-Laws, and Finance. He was a member of its Board of Directors from 1989-1991and served as one of the ten worldwide International Vice Presidents with his administrative responsibility for a Region comprising of New York, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, the Province of Ontario and all of New England. He also served the Optimist International Foundation as its Representative to the New York District, as Chairman of its Planned Gift Committee, as Director of its Planned Giving Program, and was a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors from 2006-2007.

His tributes and awards were numerous. Optimist International Life Membership presented by the Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport, Inc., Optimist of the Year from the New York District, as well as receiving a Life Time Achievement Award for 40 years of service on the District level. He received a Commission as a Kentucky Colonel from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, an Honorary West Virginia Award from that State, a Commission as a Lt. Colonel for the Alabama State Militia, Honorary Commission as a Naval Captain from City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Tennessee Ambassador of Good Will Award from that State. Locally, the Lockport Club Hockey Parent Council Award, City of Lockport Outstanding Service to Youth Award, and was the recipient of the Niagara County Bar Association's Jacqueline Koshian Public Service Award as well as the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company's Dianne Meyers Award. S.E.R.V. Niagara established the TILNEY HOUSE for his help with its homeless veterans program.

In addition to practicing Law, Mr. Tilney was Chief Appellate Counsel for the Niagara County Public Defender's Office for 30 years, served as Acting Lockport City Court Judge (2005), was Town of Lockport Justice for 15 years (2004-2018) and Guest Lecturer at S.U.N.Y. Buffalo State College (Trial Practice from Judicial Point of View) and at Niagara County Community College (Criminal Appeals). He also belonged to the Train Collectors Association, Toy Train Operators Society, and Lionel Operating Train Society. He was a member of the Lockport Town and Country Club and served on its Board of Governors.

He was a man who truly wanted his legacy to simply be that if it could be said of him that he was a loving father, a faithful husband, an honest lawyer, a good boss, a just judge, and a loyal friend then there was no need to say anything else.

Friends and relatives may call Monday, August 3rd and Tuesday, August 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, New York.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 5th at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport, New York and burial will be in the Cold Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sunrise Optimist Club of Lockport, Inc. Youth Fund c/o Treasurer Michael E. Hoffman 66 McIntosh Drive Lockport, New York 14094.