With profound sadness, we share the passing of our beloved son and brother, Daniel (Dan) Ross Leonard, 39, in Portland, Maine, following a long journey with multiple health issues. Dan was a bright light who brought larger-than-life passion, generosity, creativity, a tart wit, and playful storytelling wherever he went. He also lived with bipolar disorder and substance use disorder, enduring deep pain and struggle along his path.

Born in Columbus, Ohio on August 26, 1986, Dan grew up in Ohio and Michigan before his family settled in Saratoga Springs, New York. His creative spirit showed early: at age four, he asked to join his big sister Christine in dance lessons, sparking a lifelong passion. He starred as Fritz in The Nutcracker, excelled at tap, and later choreographed and starred in Saratoga High School musicals like Oklahoma! and Anything Goes. An accomplished actor, Dan loved the stage, performing with the Portland Children’s Theater, the South Portland Lyric Music Theater (notably as the Monster in Young Frankenstein), and various community theater groups.

Offstage, Dan delighted in hosting friends and family at lavish dinner parties and was known as a “professional party guest” for his ability to light up any room and get everyone dancing. He fell in love with contra dancing—often traveling long distances to twirl in his signature long skirt, especially at the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Dan’s intellect and wide-ranging curiosities led him down many educational paths, studying theater at NYU, comparative religion at Long Island University, and biological sciences at the University of Southern Maine. His artistry flourished in his sewing room—a true sanctuary where he created garments, quilts, and handmade quilt cards that he sent to friends and family along with heartfelt letters. An exuberant rainbow unicorn quilt he made currently graces the bed of his niece, and he loved spending time with all his nieces and nephews.

For peace and escape, Dan cherished sailing on the Westport River in Massachusetts—a place rich in family memories. He cared deeply for animals, volunteering at the Center for Wildlife and spoiling every pet that crossed his path, especially his beloved fur babies, Beauregard Butterbrickle and Baxter.

A proud gay man who navigated many of the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, Dan served on the Maine HIV/AIDS Advisory Council. Throughout his life, he sought deeper human connection and dreamed of a world where empathy always comes first.

Dan is survived by his parents, Gail and Rick Leonard; sisters Naomi Sweitzer (Andrew Shalit) and Christine Leonard (Luis Gutierrez); five nieces and nephews, Jay, Minna, Maya, Rosa, and Nico; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who were family to him. He is deeply missed.

Service Details

Memorial Service: Monday, August 10, at 10:00 AM

First Congregational Church of Kittery

23 Pepperrell Road, Kittery Point, ME

Watch online: tinyurl.com/dan-memorial

In lieu of flowers, please give someone a hug, or consider making a donation in Dan’s memory to the Frannie Peabody Center at 30 Danforth Street, Suite 309, Portland, Maine 04101.