Bryan E. Leonard

Bryan E. Leonard, 25, of Vernon, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family after a yearlong battle with leukemia.

He was born May 9, 1993, in Vernon, loving son to Linda (Caldwell) Leonard and the late Donald M. Leonard Jr. Bryan grew up in Vernon, attended local schools, and was a graduate of Rockville High School, Class of 2011. Following graduation, Bryan went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Elms College in Massachusetts, Class of 2016, where he also played baseball for the Blazers. Throughout his childhood and up until his most recent years, Bryan played baseball for the town of Vernon. He loved watching his favorite sports teams, specifically the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants, but most of all, Bryan enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His charisma, positivity, and exuberant personality made him a joy to be around. He will truly be missed by many.

In addition to his mother, Linda, Bryan is survived by his brother, Michael and Meaghan Leonard and their two children, Grady and Adelynn, of Middlebury, Vermont; his brother, David F. Leonard of Vernon; his sister, Diane P. Leonard and her boyfriend, DeeJay Militar, of Plainville; his paternal grandparents, Donald and Suzanne Leonard of Bonita Springs, Florida; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Along with his father, Donald, Bryan was also predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Patricia Caldwell.

The Leonard family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and the Boston Children's Hospital for their continued care and support during these difficult last few months. Their care and love of Bryan provided him the comfort of an extended family during his many months in the hospital.

Calling hours for Bryan will be held Thursday, May 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 24, at 1 p.m. at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Vernon. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will be private in St. Bernard Cemetery, Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Connecticut Children's Medical Center in memory of Bryan. Gifts can be made at

give.connecticutchildrens.org

/tribute

Checks payable to Connecti-cut Children's Medical Center Foundation may be mailed to: Connecticut Children's Medical Center Foundation, Attn: Amanda Humphrey, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106. Please include Bryan's name in the memo line.

To leave an online message of condolence for his family, visit

www.holmeswatkins.com.