Leonard Dobbins passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026. He was born in Bradford, VT, to Maurice and Mildred (McCarthy) Dobbins. The youngest of three children, Leonard grew up with his brother Bernie and sister Martha and lived in Bradford his entire life.

After graduating from high school, Leonard began working as a carpenter for Charlie Zwicker. During the winter months, he would travel to Florida to find work, a routine he continued even after he married, until the arrival of his growing family. Over the years, Leonard built many homes throughout Bradford and the surrounding towns, including homes for his family and one for his mother.

In 1951, at the age of 21, Leonard was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 141st Light Tank Battalion and trained at Fort Hood and in the Mojave Desert. In 1952, his section of the battalion left New Orleans for an Army base in Hanau, Germany. Because of his experience as a carpenter, Leonard was assigned as the battalion carpenter. After returning home to Bradford, Leonard put his skills to work as a carpenter.

On February 7, 1954, Leonard married Evelyn Page of Groton, VT. They spent more than 72 years together, raising their ten children and building a life filled with family, hard work, community, and many good times. The two met at a local dance, and dancing remained a favorite part of their lives.

In the early 1960s, Leonard purchased the "barn," which became the home of his carpentry business. It was much more than a workplace-it became a familiar part of the family and a place where Leonard continued to put his skills to use for many years. In later years, he began making furniture for his children and grandchildren, as well as pieces for the annual Catholic Church auction. The barn was also home to Leonard's impressive collection of more than 2,500 hammers, all hanging from the beams. His first hammer had been given to him by his father.

Leonard was deeply involved in the community he called home. He served on the Bradford Select board for 21 years and later served for many years as a water commissioner. He was also a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Leonard was honored with the Boston Post Cane as the oldest male resident living in Bradford.

Family was at the center of Leonard's life, and he took immense pride in supporting his children and grandchildren. He coached many of his children's basketball and baseball teams, and as his grandchildren grew older, he and Evelyn became devoted fans in the stands. He was also a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Miami Dolphins and enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards and cribbage, and for many years he was a member of the Woodsville bowling league.

In 2013, Leonard finally made a trip he had long wanted to take-to Ireland. With both sides of his family having roots in Ireland, he and his family traveled throughout the island. He was very happy to finally see the country his ancestors had called home.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice, and Mildred; his brother Bernie and sister-in-law Pat; his sister Martha and brother-in-law Ralph Fogg; his daughter, Martha Sanborn, and son-in-law Mark Marsh.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Evelyn; daughters, Esther Dobbins-Marsh, Audrey (Michael) Conrad, Susan (Bruce) Schlenker, Teresa (Ed Emond) Dobbins, Veronica (Craig) Thurston, Angela (Brian) Eberling, Sarita Dobbins Baker (fiancée David Bruce), and Charlene Dobbins; son Owen Dobbins; son-in-law David Sanborn. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Hillary (Michael) Barone, Meagan Marsh, Barrett (Stephanie) Williams, Bryant (Marion) Williams, Stephen Schlenker, Paige (Ryan) Bradford, Allison (Hannah McMinn) Thurston, Todd (Alison Eko) Thurston, Parker (Jasey) Thurston, Jenny Eberling, Cole Eberling, Sydney Eberling, David Sanborn, Molly Sanborn, Ellie Baker, Julia Baker, and Addie Baker; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the VA Hospital and its staff for the excellent care Leonard received over the years. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Grafton County Nursing Home for their kindness and care during his final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leonard's memory to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, or Bradford Youth Sports.

Calling hours will be held at Hale's Funeral Home, Bradford, VT on Monday, August 17th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bradford on Tuesday, August 18th at 1:00 pm with a reception downstairs at Parish Hall to follow. Burial will be at Sawyer cemetery following the reception at 3:30 pm.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain, Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com