PORTLAND — Richard “Dick” B. Leonard, 85, of Portland, died Dec. 31 at The Barron Center.

Leonard was born in Portland on June 21, 1929, the son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Graney) Leonard. He graduated from Cheverus High School in 1947, and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from what is now the Maine College of Art.

Widely recognized for his creative talent, Leonard put his skills to work throughout his life as a commercial artist. He managed the The Paint Pot for 25 years, before becoming the owner and operator of The Paint and Sign Shop, which offered portrait drawings and exterior lettering of vehicles and billboards. Always a generous man, Leonard also donated many hours making signs and other art work for charitable and fraternal organizations.

Leonard wed Patricia (O’Reilly) Clark, and the couple were married for 28 years before Pat predeceased him in 2005.

True to his Irish heritage, Leonard was known for his sense of humor and story-telling. He was a lifetime communicant of St. Patrick’s Church.

He is survived by his brother, John M. Leonard, of New Jersey; and stepchildren, Virginia Sellick, of Readfield, Howard Clark Jr., of Florida, and Gary Clark, of Fryeburg. Also surviving are 10 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 8:30-9:15 a.m., at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland, followed by prayers and a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Mercy Hospital, 144 State St., Portland, ME 04101.

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