Matt Leonard — a longtime Westporter, and noted surveyor with his family firm — died last month, after a battle with cancer. He was 69.
The son of Leo and Margery Leonard, Matt grew up with 5 siblings on Bermuda Road. His father developed Saugtauck Shores.
Matt — a 1970 Staples High School graduate — honed his adventurous spirit by boating, swimming, fishing, sailing and waterskiing in nearby Leonard’s Lagoon.
Matt Leonard
He got his first boat at age 8, and spent many years rowing on the Saugatuck River. He loved exploring Cockenoe and the Norwalk Islands. The water was his life.
He also enjoyed music, books, trees, wildlife and birds. He was an avid photographer.
After Quinnipiac College, Matt worked with his father at Leonard Surveyors.
Matt was predeceased by his brother Charles and sister Marcia Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kim Englander Leonard (Staples ’69), daughter Hayley, son James; his sisters Anna McLaughlin, Lucy Leonard and Sally Harwell; his uncle and aunt, Stew and Marianne Leonard, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree in Matt’s honor.
Sad news indeed .. Haven’t seen Matt sense the Staples Days ..
Rest Easy Old Friend
Sorry I knew Matt long ago and his Wife Kim who is still my friend, condolences 😢
I’m so sorry to hear this. And he survived a horrific vehicle/pedestrian accident back in 68ish?. Condolences to my old friends Anna and Lucy..
Though I left Westport in 69 and hadn’t seen Matt since I have great memories of him from our wild and crazy Staples days. He was a great guy and my condolences to his family, sorry for your loss.
I remember Matt, good guy, Rip my friend, if the twins see this get in touch with me, you too Joe.GB