Brian Edward Leach

Brian Edward Leach, 44, locally known by his stage name “Brian Edward," passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Saturday, July 12th at his home in Schodack Landing, NY. His beloved dog Ace was by his side.

Brian was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania to loving parents COL(R) Kim Leach and Marianne (Segeleon) Leach on April 12, 1981. As is typical in a military family, Brian lived in many states but found his true home when he moved to the Berkshires in 1996. He attended Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton, Massachusetts, where his love of theatre and the arts collided with his astonishing creative abilities. Under the encouragement of the Wahconah drama department, Brian graced the stage in a variety of theatrical performances while often writing, directing, and producing an impressive amount of original material, such as “Here’s to Crime”, a dinner-theater mystery, and many others.

A two-time graduate of Point Park University (BFA/MBA), Brian wore many hats and continued to make waves across the state as a professional comedian, writer, and performer. He was the creator and founder of ‘Burgh Vivant’, an online talk show about arts and culture in Pittsburgh, which included hilarious interviews with a variety of artists and local celebrities, many of whom he considered as dear friends. Brian’s style could be described as bawdy, absurdly hysterical, vaudevillian, and highly intellectual. These traits were evident in his works, but also defined his unique character. Alongside colleagues, he toured his original show “Amish Burlesque” at multiple venues and states over several years. “Lunch Lady Cabaret” was also a notable favorite amongst his admirers, but many more are also included in his resume.

Along with the role of comedian, writer, and performer, Brian most recently worked as an Executive Director of the Crandall Theatre in Chatham, NY. Previous titles included Managing Director of the Colonial Theatre in Westerly, Rhode Island, and Marketing Director of PICT Classic Theatre and Pittsburgh Festival Opera. Earlier, he served as Curator of the art collection housed at Nemacolin Resort in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

Brian received much praise and recognition for his work. He had the honor of being named one of the top leading actors of the year by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2002. In 2011 and 2015 he won a Donna Award for Outstanding Lead Actor, though his most significant achievements were the relationships that he fostered and cherished along the way. His loss is so profoundly felt by his family, extended family, friends, and the arts he loved so passionately.

Brian is preceded in death by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Segeleon (maternal grandparents), Mr. and Mrs. John Leach (paternal grandparents), and uncles, William Davis, Michael Leach, and aunt, Julie Leach.

In addition to his parents, Brian is survived by his biggest fan and devoted sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Matthew Stumpf.

Brian’s surviving aunts and uncles include Edward and Elaine Segeleon, Donna Matthews, William and Marlene Gandjos, Sam and Patricia Dengel, Ken and Susan Leach, and Janet Davis. Also are the many cousins who shared in Brian’s capers at an early age. And lastly, Brian is survived by an entire universe of unique and talented friends that he cherished so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Rd., Pittsfield, MA 01201 or your favorite local theater in Brian’s memory.

Brian’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to those who have shown unconditional support and care during this period of profound heartbreak.