Leon B. Stevens

TUCSON, Ariz. - Leon Berry Stevens passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, July 30, 2015, at Lifecare Center of America in Oro Valley, Ariz. He was 89 years old.

Son of Lila and Leon Stevens Sr., Leon was born in Farmington, N.H. Leon attended the University of New Hampshire and quickly turned his attentions to studying for a career in the theater.

An active member of Actors' Equity, SAG (Screen Actors' Guild), and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), Leon was an actor, director and producer for more than 60 years. He came to Broadway (after the early days of stock and off-Broadway) as Matthew Harrison Brady in "Inherit the Wind" – fresh from a year's national tour opposite Melvyn Douglas in the same role. He would return to Broadway multiple times, as well as perform in regional theaters across the country. He was equally at home on both the big and small screen with dozens of episodic television roles to his credit. For film, he most notably appeared opposite Elizabeth Taylor in "Butterfield 8". Leon helped find the professional theater company at Penn State University and it was there he met his beloved wife, Lydia Bruce, a much celebrated actor in her own right. Together they created a rich life filled with art, travel, and mutual respect. They were frequent acting partners and inseparable life partners until Lydia's passing in 2008.

Leon leaves granddaughter Kim Stevens Sangrey, her husband Barry, and great-granddaughter Madison; grandson Wayne, his wife Kim, and great-grandson Spencer. Also surviving are cousins Virginia Robinson Chabot (Robert) and Olive Robinson Langlois (Alfred) of Manchester, N.H.

Many thanks are extended to long time care-giver Lupe, the nursing and care staff at Lifecare Center on La Cholla Blvd., Casa de la Luz Hospice, especially Erika, Karen, Christine, and Patti, and to Donald Cline of the Neptune Society for his empathy and considerate attention.

Memorial services are being planned at his home in Tucson and at his former home in Marlow, N.H. His ashes, intermingled with those of his wife Lydia, will be interred next to his beloved son Leon III, in Pine Grove Cemetery, Farmington, N.H.