Leo Paul Paradis

Leo Paul Paradis, 69, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2025, with his loving wife by his side.
Born on October 12, 1955, in Sanford, ME to Gerard and Pauline (Boucher) Paradis.

Leo graduated from Sanford HS in 1973 and attended Northeastern University and the University of Maine at Orono followed by four years of service in the US Navy from 1976-1980. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, Leo attended SMTC in Portland where his focus was Technical Graphics and Design.

Leo was a very industrious young boy, selling newspapers for the Sanford Tribune as early as 10 years old. He also developed a true passion for cooking with his first job at Rosas Deli and during high school where he cooked and managed at the Bradford House Restaurant in the Grants Department Store.

As an adult, Leo worked for several building and architectural companies including Wasco Products, Mohlin & Company, Architectural Skylight Co., George Roberts Co., Advanced Building Products, and pleasantly ended his working career at Warren’s Office Supplies as a Sales Account Manager, a job that gave him great satisfaction and a true sense of team and belonging.

Leo’s earliest interests involved freelance writing for Face Magazine during the mid 1990’s doing music reviews and feature stories on several Maine area bands. Always a big music buff, Leo enjoyed all types of music and even tried his hand at playing a few instruments including the trumpet in his school band and the guitar later in life.

Leo lived to eat and loved to cook and was very creative in the kitchen, baking cakes and desserts as well as a wide range of entrees. Cooking for Leo began at a young age, helping his mother in the kitchen. He would say “it all started with a box of brownie mix and I never looked back”. Cakes were a frequent request from family and friends for birthdays and special occasions and Leo never disappointed. It gave him a great sense of pride to know that his baking was appreciated (and delicious every time!)

Leo also had a bit of the travel bug taking journeys to explore many parts of the US from coast to coast. He was always up for an adventure whether it be a quick weekend getaway or traveling to another country. It was very important that he be a traveler and not a “tourist” so he would take the time to learn the public transit systems wherever he went and find the best local hot spots. Traveling with Leo was always a pleasure, and many wonderful memories were made over the years.

Leo found great comfort in the friendships that he formed when he was young and cherished these long-lasting bonds throughout his adult life. He will be greatly missed by so many who knew him well and loved him.
Leo is predeceased by his parents Pauline (Boucher) Landry and Gerard Paradis and stepfathers Andre Auger and Roland Landry.

He is survived by his wife Debra (Poisson) Paradis, brother Norman Paradis and his partner Claire Thibeault of Sanford, Me, nephew Marcel Paradis and his wife Crystal of Springvale. As well as many other dear nieces and nephews.