David LeRoy

David Shepherd LeRoy, 80, of Lewiston, Maine, passed away on May 20, 2025, in the city he called home for much of his life. Prior to settling in Lewiston, he also lived for many years in Leeds and Wayne. Born and raised in Simsbury, Connecticut, David carried with him a lifelong love of nature, family, and justice.

After graduating from high school in Simsbury, he briefly attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania before serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1970, seeking a quieter, more rural life, David and his then-wife Eileen Coyne followed his Uncle Ray and Aunt Claire Shepherd, who lived in Fayette, Maine. The couple settled in Leeds, where they bought an old 1800s farmhouse. There, they raised chickens and horses, rode with friends, and built a close-knit community while raising their son, Jacob LeRoy.

David completed his degree at the University of Maine at Farmington and went on to have a long, meaningful career as a paralegal with Pine Tree Legal Assistance in Augusta and the Volunteer Lawyers Project in Portland. He was widely respected in his field for his sharp wit, unique sense of humor, and deep compassion for clients in need. He forged lifelong friendships with his co-workers in the Augusta and Portland offices. These relationships meant a great deal to him, and he spoke of his colleagues fondly and often throughout his life.

Beyond his professional life, David remained dedicated to causes he cared about. He was a devoted volunteer and steward at Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary in Lewiston—a place he cherished deeply. An avid reader and lifelong learner, he found peace walking the sanctuary’s trails, always drawn to the trees and birds he loved so dearly.

David is survived by his son, Jacob LeRoy, and daughter-in-law, Brandi, of Bangor; his grandchildren, Jayden, Benjamin, and Cecily LeRoy of Bangor; and his brother, John LeRoy, and sister-in-law, Cheri, of San Marcos, California. He also leaves behind his nieces, Hilary Hotchkiss and Amy Warthen, as well as several grand-nieces and a grand-nephew, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. He was predeceased by his father, John Livingston LeRoy; his mother, Kathryn (Shepherd) LeRoy; and his nephew, Johnny LeRoy.

David will be remembered for his candor, quick wit, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to justice and community. He was a man of thought and principle, with a gentle soul and a heart full of love for the natural world and the people in it.

A celebration of David’s life will be held August 2 1:00 PM at Divinci’s in Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, P.O. Box 3172, Lewiston, ME 04243—a place that brought him both peace and purpose.