Eric P. Leighton

In the early morning of January 23, two days after his 63rd birthday, Eric Paul Leighton quietly ended his struggle with dementia. 

Eric Paul Leighton was born in Portland in 1954, the first child of Jean Leighton and Paul Leighton.  Eric graduated from the Staples School in Portland and spent his life living in the Portland area.  He had the good fortune to become an employee of the University of Southern Maine where he worked the night shift as a custodian.  Thanks to the kind and supportive supervision provided to Eric, USM was rewarded with a loyal, hard-working custodian who served the school faithfully for 29 years.  When Eric was first diagnosed with early onset dementia the Human Resources folks at USM did an excellent job working with Eric and his family as he transitioned from work to retirement.  Our family’s thanks goes out to the staff at USM for giving Eric the opportunity to be a success and a valued member of the USM team.

In 1996 Eric met his future wife, Debora Combs.  They were married in 2003 and, along with her son Robert Farr, settled in South Portland.  They enjoyed traveling, being out and about in their community, and their many pets. Deborah and Robert will always cherish the memories of their many good times together.

Eric is survived by his wife Debora Combs and Robert Farr, both of South Portland; his two brothers, Christopher Leighton and his wife, Jacqueline Alpert, of Freeport; Jeffrey Leighton and his wife, Angela Mogavero, of Portland: his nephews Jacob Leighton of Boston and Michael Leighton of Portland; and his aunt, Barbara Ann Graves of Trenton.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to Sedgewood Commons. Eric was well-cared for, the staff was consistently responsive to his needs, and there was always someone to provide the family with information, comfort, and support.  The family also thanks the assistance provided by staff from Compassus Hospice in Eric’s final weeks.

Eric loved his pets, especially his cat Shadow and their dog Oliver.  If you would like to make a donation in Eric’s memory, we know he would have appreciated donations to the Animal Rescue League of Greater Portland.  Please do so at http://www.arlgp.org/.

A celebration of Eric’s life will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1050 Westbrook St., Portland, ME 04102.

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