Obituary of Howard J. Leach

Howard John Leach, 85, of Steuben, Maine passed away peacefully on April 16, 2023 at his home with his beloved dog, Maggie, by his feet. 

Howard was the last surving Leach sibling, born in Perry, Maine to Russell Leach and Margaret Kendall Leach Sullivan on February 25, 1938. He attended Shead High School where he graduated in 1956. 

Howard was married to Kay Merrifield for 32 years, in which time they raised their four sons; twins Mark and Mike, Gregory, and Gary. 

A combined Celebration of Life and burial for he and his beloved sister, Arlene, will be held at a later date. 

Howard worked as a Machinist for Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut. He then continued to work as a handyman and carpenter doing odd jobs to stay busy. He took great pride in being self sufficient and came up with some unique ways to keep it that way until the end. 

He truly loved Maine, fishing, snowmobiling, riding ATV’s and his Side by Side. He also loved cars, trucks, and speed in general. 

Howard is survived by his sons Mike Leach and his partner Debbie Hill, granddaughter Brianna and her husband Kevin Sidisin, great grandchildren Oakley and Kash. Gary Leach and wife Amanda, grandchildren Cierra and Brayden. Granddaughter April Wheeler and her husband Jeff, great grandchildren Riley, Regan, and Aiden. Grandson Sam Leach. Nieces and Nephews Glenn and Tina Kierstead, Leisa Crowley and Norman Newenham, Russell Leach, Brenda and Andres Ledezma, David and Megan Leach, Heath and Nadine Barnes. He also had many great nieces and great nephews.  He also had many very dear friends in both Connecticut and Maine. Thank you to his neighbors on the East Side Road in Steuben! He loved being part of a close community, which would not have been possible without Julie Ginn. 

He is preceded in death by two sons; Gregory Leach and Mark Leach. He is also preceded by siblings; Charles Leach and Arlene Kierstead along with her son, Georgie Kierstead.  

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Ark Animal Shelter, 60 Barber Lane, Cherryfield ME 04622.