Stephen Leonard

Obituary: Stephen Mark Leonard, July 16, 1950 - November 5, 2025
A Life Full of Laughter, Love, and Adventure
Stephen Mark Leonard, 75, of South Burlington, passed away on November 5, 2025, of natural causes at his home, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter and memories that will be shared for years to come.
Steve graduated from South Burlington High School in 1968 and went on to graduate from the University of Vermont in 1972, where he played one season of fall soccer, a sport for which he remained passionate his entire life. He also found joy playing tennis and attending The US Open in New York City each year. He spent a major part of his adult life in Boston where he established roots in a community of lifelong connections. He was a true Boston sports fan, especially of the Red Sox and Patriots.
Steve was a devout Catholic, attending weekly Mass. He trusted in and followed his Lord, which was evident in his kindness to and interactions with everyone.
His family was paramount to him. He loved spending time with them - holidays, game days or just hanging out and catching up. Those were his happiest times.
Steve was a deep thinker and avid student of life, always ready with insightful and humorous quips. He lived life on his own terms. He was an exceptionally bright, adventurous, well-traveled free spirit, often using his fluency in Spanish throughout his travels. He never passed up a chance for a new adventure - whether backpacking across South America, exploring Europe, or enjoying adventures closer to home in the US.
Music played an important part in his life as there was always a song playing in the background. At the age of 19, he even attended the Woodstock Music Festival, a testament to his free spirit and love of experiencing life to the fullest.
He will be remembered for his humor, his warmth and his gift for finding joy in the everyday. His quick wit, big heart and infectious smile made life brighter for everyone lucky enough to have known him.
Stevie was surely his mother's "red-headed pepper pot".
Stephen will be sorely missed by all and live on in our hearts. He is survived by six loving siblings:
Daniel Boles Leonard and wife Linda of Ryegate, VT, Michael Dean Leonard and wife Patricia of Austin, TX, Kathleen Leonard Gordon and husband Robert of Burlington, VT, Thomas John Leonard of Starksboro, VT, MaryBeth Stark of Minneapolis, MN and Peter James Leonard of Shelburne, VT
He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were dear to his heart. Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Dean and Edie Leonard of South Burlington.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10 am at St, John Vianney Church, 160 Hinesburg Road, South Burlington. A private family burial will be held at a future date.
Arrangements are in the care of the Chittenden County Cremation Society, a division of the Ready Funeral and Cremation Services. To send online condolences please visit www.cremationsocietycc.com.