Edward D. Leonard

Rochester - Edward “Ed” Dennis Leonard, of Rochester, passed away at home on Monday, January 8, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 85. He was the loving husband of 58 years of Sandra Leonard. Born in Newark NJ, on November 10, 1938, Ed was the son of the late Francis and Mary (Danahy) Leonard. Raised and educated in Lawrence, MA, Ed attended Lawrence High School. His senior year, Ed enlisted in the United States Navy where he served 4 years. He joined the Lawrence Fire Department in 1969 and served for over 30 years, retiring as Deputy Chief in 2000. In addition, Ed served 20 years with the United States Coast Guard Reserves. Ed resided for over 20 years in Newburyport MA, including many years on Plum Island. He and Sandra spent the past 20 years in New Hampshire. They took many vacations with family and friends, and he particularly enjoyed Las Vegas. He also made two trips to Ireland. Ed loved his dogs, Feathers, Minnie and Sam-E. He enjoyed walking, and reading about history and politics. He was a huge patriots fan, and he liked to point out that he followed them even when they were lousy. All who knew him enjoyed his rapid-fire wit. Most of all, Ed loved and supported his family. In return, he was loved and respected by family, friends, and the people he worked with. Ed is survived by his children, Jennifer Leonard and her husband John Carpenter of Rochester, Catherine Fowler and her husband Steven of Hampton, and Rebecca Backstrom and her husband Jesse of Somerville, MA. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Max, Rebecca, Keenan, Naomi, Jonathan, and Leah, as well as his four great grandchildren, Marceline, Memphis, Leah, and Jeremiah. In addition to his parents, Ed is predeceased by his siblings, Frances Crowe, Patricia Brown, John Leonard, Mary Ord, and Margaret DeFelice. Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Ed for a period of visitation on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the Remick and Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH. A funeral service with military honors will take place immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ed’s memory to the NH SPCA in Stratham, NH by clicking here The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals PO Box 196 104 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham, NH 03885 or the Parkinson’s Foundation New England Chapter by clicking here Parkinson’s Foundation New England Chapter Attn: Donor Services 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800 Miami, FL 33131

Edward D. Leonard

November 10, 1938 - January 8, 2024