Grantham, NH – Mitchell Leonard Jr., 53, died Friday afternoon, Sept. 2, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Jct., VT after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born November 18, 1962 on a small Island off the coast of Maine the son of Mitchell Leonard Sr and Pauline Maria Varnese. He grew up in Hartford and graduated from Hartford High School in 1980. Right after graduation he enlisted and served in the US Navy. Following his honorable discharge he started his own business in construction and lawn care, the beginnings of a very long and successful career which took him all around the country and earned him a reputation as a highly skilled builder. Mitch built and owned several homes in the Grantham – Eastman area of New Hampshire. But his talents were not limited to that area alone. He also built and worked on countless homes and commercial properties in NH and VT. During this time he also worked as a part time supervisor and consultant for Habitat for Humanity.
In his earlier years Mitch was an exceptional baseball player and tried out for the Dodgers. Later, he continued to enjoy the sport by playing softball on different teams in the Upper Valley area. He also loved to dance and bake cookies which he shared with many of his friends and family.
Mitchell also shared his talents with friends and neighbors by building Bird houses.
He was predeceased by his parents. Mitchell is survived by a daughter Jade Leonard of Pembroke, NH, a son, Madison Leonard of Lebanon, NH, two sisters, Stacy McPhee of White River Jct., VT, and Tonia Wimett of Masaryktown, FL, a brother, Shawn Leonard of Johnstown, NY, his partner, Amy Keller of Manchester, NH, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Mitch also leaves behind his best friend, Gretchen Gray-Buchanan of Quechee, VT.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 from 2-4PM at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT. A remembrance service will be held immediately following at 4PM at the funeral home.

His family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Vanessa and Chad Perron and to Gretchen Gray-Buchanan for their kindness and the incredible care they gave Mitchell during his illness.