Leo J. Beland

Leo J. Beland, 85, of Manchester NH, passed away on December 6th, 2019 after a prolonged illness. Born in Sherbrooke, Canada on September 14, 1934 to Alexandre & Marie Ange (Plante) Beland, Leo would later settle in Manchester at the age of 16, where he eventually met and married his best friend and lifelong partner of over 60 years, Ellen (Lovely) Beland.

Adept with his hands, Leo worked as a mechanic since he was 10 years old, thus following his lifelong enthusiasm for restoring classic cars. His family will not forget memories of him fixing up the "56 Merc" that he loved so much, or the countless times he worked on the neighborhood cars just because he could. Leo was also proud of his service in the army, having been stationed in Germany in the 1950's.

Aside from his passion for classic cars, Leo was a diehard hockey fan, having played for and coached many teams throughout his life, as well as rooting for the Bruins until the very end. Memories of passions flaring on the ice will not be soon forgotten. Most of all, Leo loved his family immensely, and he will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Leo has now joined his 3 sisters Violet, Therese & Jeannine in heaven. He is survived by his wife Ellen Beland; son Richard Beland; Daughters Diane Worsley & Lisa Beland; and multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

A celebration of Leo's life will be held on Friday, December 13 at 5:00 PM, with a service beginning at 6:00 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Homes, 243 Hanover St. Manchester NH. He will be laid to rest at a later date.