Craig Leonard

Craig Leonard

Charlemont, MA - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father Craig "Lenny" Leonard, who left us July 23rd, 2025 after a three year battle with cancer.

Craig was born in Houghton, Michigan on January 22nd, 1958, to father Robert Leonard and mother Nancy (Kahler) Leonard. He spent his younger years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his brothers, playing hockey and fishing in the Great Lakes. Craig graduated from Houghton High School, then attended Ferris State University, where he met his life-long best friend Louie Bentgen.

One winter in the early 80's, Louie asked Craig to come out east to work with him at Berkshire East in Charlemont, MA, where he soon after called his home. He spent many years at Berkshire East, and once his time there came to a close, he joined the Local 98 Operators Union. He began his journey in the Union working for Lane Construction, and later moved on to Northern Tree and Construction, and finished with BluRoc upon his retirement in 2023.

In the summer of 1983, Craig met his future "bride" Cheryl (Kelleher) Leonard of Shelburne Falls, MA. They married on September 28th, 1985, making this year their 40th wedding anniversary. Eleven years later in the winter of 1997, Craig and Cheryl welcomed their daughter Alyse Jody Leonard to the world on January 25th. Craig loved fishing and skiing with Alyse, as well as supporting her at all sporting events from childhood well into her adult years. Those who knew Craig best would easily say that golfing was his most favorite thing outside of his family. He spent lots of free time perfecting his game, and was thrilled to join the golf family over at Ashfield Community Course.

Craig will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Cheryl; his daughter, Alyse, and her partner, MacKae Freeland; and his puppies, Molly and Lawson. He is also survived by his brothers, Brent Leonard (wife Martie) and Scott Leonard (wife Sethany); his best friend, Louie; father-in-law, John Kelleher; mother-in-law, Edie (Ovitt) Kelleher; and all of his Kelleher brothers and sisters-Jody, Bill and Kim, Danny and Frank, Mark and Stephen, Shawn, Peter, and Ed and Carey. Craig's memory will also be cherished by numerous Leonard and Kelleher cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom he loved deeply. He will be fondly remembered by his many work and golf buddies, whom he considered among his closest friends.

Craig is pre-deceased by his parents Robert and Nancy Leonard, his uncle and aunt Rob and Mary Roy, and his cousin Robbyn (Roy) Lucier.

There will be no formal services, and Craig's family plans to have a Celebration of Life that will take place early this fall.