Douglas Eric Leonhard

Douglas Eric Leonhard, born September 29, 1965, passed away at his home in Duncannon, Pa., on February 18, 2026. He went peacefully as he watched General Hospital, one of his favorite shows, with his wife, Heather, and his mother, Phyllis, by his side. He was born in Harrisburg, Pa., to the late Gerald Leonhard and Phyllis (Mutzabaugh) Leonhard, and grew up in Duncannon with his older brother, Bryan Leonhard. He was a dedicated athlete, playing baseball, football and wrestling, and worked at a staple in the community, the Red Rabbit. A member of the West Side Singers in high school, as well as his church and community choirs later in life, he lived for a good song and the opportunity to belt it out. From The Cathedrals to Conway Twitty, Mariah Carey to Foreigner, his love of music transcended genres and lit up his soul. But music wasn’t his only love. He cherished his family more than anything. He and his wife, Heather Leonhard, were married in 2017 and spent nine happy years together traveling, laughing and supporting one another. His daughter, Brittany Leonhard, was the apple of his eye for 36 years, and she, too, thought the world of him. He also had a stepdaughter, Tiffany Rudy, who he loved and cared for very much, along with his eight grandchildren, including grandsons Gunner, Sage, Jace, Bentley, Cole, Theo and Waylon, and granddaughter, Aurora. Other members of his close-knit family included nieces Sierra Leonhard and Jaylene Leonhard, in-laws, Skip and Virginia Kunkel, and unofficial sons-in-law, Travis Boerner and Jimmy Tomsa. His extended family, work family, friends and fire company brothers were also very important to him. Doug was a social butterfly, always attracting people with his quick wit, generous nature and infectious smile. Those were qualities that served him well as a member of Duncannon, New Bloomfield and New Buffalo fire companies. He dedicated much of his time and service to these organizations over the years, touching the lives and earning the respect of so many members of the community. The love for his people and the fire company was matched only by his need for speed. He was the proud owner of many fast vehicles – Dodge preferred, of course – including multiple diesel trucks, a Durango Hellcat and his (almost) dream car, a 1972 Dodge Charger. Over the years, he raced in Dyno shows, tested his limits on the road and followed NASCAR. He even passed on the same day, 25 years later, as one of his racing idols, Dale Earnhardt. Doug wasn’t just a good man…he was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, pappy, buddy and pillar of the community. To say he will be missed by many is a true, though modest statement. He was the kind of person everybody loved to know and be around. May he be reunited with his family and friends who passed before and be free to take his final victory lap in eternal peace. Services will be held at the Family Life Center, 27 W. Shortcut Road, Newport, Pa., on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Visitation will be from noon to 2:00 p.m., followed by a service and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to your local fire company or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Doug’s name. The Boyer Family is honored to handle the arrangements for the Leonhard family.

Douglas Eric Leonhard

September 29, 1965 - February 18, 2026