Richard Steven Leeman

AUBURN – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Steven Leeman, 74, of Auburn, on March 25, 2025, at Schooner Memory Care from Alzheimer’s Disease. Richard was born March 13, 1951, in Lewiston, to parents Richard Leeman and Rose Leeman (Limosani).

Richard graduated from Lewiston High School in 1969; he attended Ricker College as a young man and later attended the University of Southern Maine for Business Management.

In his 20s, Richard spent time in Western Maine with his best friends where he became an accomplished skier and hiker. He loved the freedom and peace of the outdoors.

Richard married the love of his life, Michelle Bergeron on May 13, 1977. Shortly thereafter, they moved to a stunning property with panoramic views of Mount Washington atop Huntington Hill in Litchfield. Richard and Michelle were overjoyed with the birth of their daughter, Marissa Patrice Leeman in 1982. Richard worked hard building a beautiful home on their property which they moved into in 1985. There, on that hill is where he, Michelle, Marissa and many family members and friends enjoyed wonderful times together.

Richard had a remarkable career in construction. He was a successful business owner from 1987-1997, during which time, he brought immense joy to countless homeowners who entrusted him to build their homes. He moved on to estimating and project management working for a few companies before finally finding his home at Ganneston Construction in Augusta, Maine. He went on to work as a project manager for Ganneston for 15 years until his retirement in 2018. Throughout his career, Richard was acclaimed for his attention to detail, focus on safety, and open communication.

Richard cherished his family. Family gatherings at Old Orchard Beach where his mother and cousin, Marco, would make Italian feasts which he and the family enjoyed in between spending the day on the beach and playing in the ocean were among his favorite memories. Once a grandfather, he reveled in spending time with his two grandchildren, Gavin and Gianna. He always brought a carton of chocolate milk and powdered donuts or Klondike bars when coming to visit. Richard shared a special bond with his daughter, Marissa and was very proud of the woman and mother she became.

Richard LOVED golf. He was a long-time member of the Meadows Golf Club in Litchfield and the Tuesday night men’s league brought him great joy. He loved his home and property on Huntington Hill and took great pride in keeping it immaculate with beautifully manicured acres of lawn and gardens. Here he loved watching the deer in the fields and his hummingbirds.

Richard was blessed to have reconnected with Barbara Mathieu whom he spent close to 20 years within partnership. They shared numerous adventures, delicious meals and quiet moments together.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Marissa Tardif and her husband Jason Tardif of Sabattus; and his two grandchildren, Gavin and Gianna Tardif; his partner, Barbara Mathieu of Sarasota, Fla., her daughter Jessica Mathieu of Sarasota, Fla.; his brother, David Leeman and his wife Susan Leeman of Sarasota, Fla., his brother, John Leeman and his wife Susan Adams of Ocala, Fla., his brother, Ronald Leeman of Lewiston, his sister, Tracey Durfee and her husband James Durfee of Wells, his sister and brother-in-law, Patrice and James George of Brunswick, his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Kathleen Bergeron of Monmouth, his brother and sister-in-law, Rene and Cindy Bergeron of Moscow. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his wife, Michelle Leeman (1992); his mother and father, Richard and Rose Leeman (2005, 2024).

Marissa would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Peter Bornstein, Maggie Pelletier, Chad Vincent, the loving staff at Schooner Memory Care and Andwell Hospice.

A private graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lewiston. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on Saturday, April 26, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Meadows Golf Club in Litchfield. All are welcome to attend, please feel free to wear your favorite golf hat in memory of Richard.

Please visit http://www.FortinPinetteGroupAuburn.com to sign Richard’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.