Leonard “Neil” Chmiel, age 90, of Pryse Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Baptist Health Hospital in Richmond, Kentucky.
He was born on November 20, 1935, in Buffalo, New York, and he was the son of the late Joseph Chmiel and Frances Grabowski Chmiel. He graduated from Bishop Ryan High School in 1954, after which he joined the United States Air Force. He met Clara Durbin while they were stationed in Michigan, and they were married in 1959. Together they were stationed around the world. He retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service as a Master Sargent. They settled at the Durbin Family Farm. He was a member of the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Ravenna, Kentucky.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Durbin, his parents, Joseph and Frances Grabowski Chmiel, his sisters, Sophie Wozniak and Regina Kahabka, and his brothers, Harry and Joseph Chmiel.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Linda Gordon, Bonita Zgoda, Carol Sharp, Deborah Suffoletto, James Kahabka, Mark Chmiel, and Joseph Chmiel.
His memory will be carried on by great and great great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, January 29, 11 AM, at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10 to 11 AM.
Pallbearers: Kenneth Sharp, Mark Hiler, Brian Sharp, Erin Hiler, Zachary Hiler, and L.W. Beckley
Honorary Pallbearers: Austin Hiler and Steven Sharp
