Hollis, Maine – John Drew Leatherbee, 65, beloved family patriarch passed away suddenly on April 16, 2025, at Maine Medical Center. John was born on October 2, 1959, in Boston, MA, the son of the late Robert Leatherbee and the late Patricia Leatherbee Freeman and stepson of the late Henry Freeman.
John lived a full and fulfilling life. He was a Texas Tech trained mechanical engineer, working in several responsible jobs from the oil fields of Texas to manufacturing in Montana and HVAC systems in Massachusetts. He retired in 2021 to realize his dream of living in rural Maine with land, a barn, and his beloved family around him. Throughout it all, he was exceedingly kind and generous. He was the gentlest of souls with a loving, open heart. No one can remember him ever having a harsh word to say about anyone.
He is survived by his wife Debra Leatherbee; children David (Ariana) and Shelby Leatherbee; stepchildren, Angela Ryan and Laura Murphy; grandson, Asher; siblings Robert (Margaret), Susan Nogueira, Thomas (Patricia), and Ted (Lisa); and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.
A Celebration of Life for the family will be held at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, Maine.
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