Leo Brian "Leo B" Early

10/30/1962 – 5/19/2023

Dearborn, Michigan

Leo passed away on Friday, May 19th, after a lengthy illness. He was born on October 30, 1962, to parents Leo James and Lavina Viola (Stoltman) Early in Detroit, Michigan.

While proud of his Detroit heritage, Leo also spent the summers of his youth at the family cottage in Stony Point Ontario, a place which he spoke of often. Although time may have divided Leo from those Canadian summers, he was later reunited with his love of the Great Lakes waters when he restored the family's antique wooden boat, originally purchased by his father. It was that Gibbs Speedboat where he and his brothers enjoyed countless hours fishing, water skiing and enjoying the Ontario watershed.

Fortunate to be born into a musical household, Leo took up instruments at a young age including guitar, keys, drums and more which he enjoyed for decades. As a musician, he enjoyed some of the greatest experiences of his life, fostered many relationships and made many of lifelong friendships through his music. Along with his love of music, Leo was also a history buff, in particular the history of what he called the greatest music city on the planet, Detroit.

Leo channeled his passions for music and history through his advocacy with the Friends of the Grande Ballroom Group, where he and fellow members encouraged "the preservation of the venues history and its physical edifice while promoting the culture fostered by its patrons, performers and promoters." In 2016, Leo's passion for music and history amalgamated when he published his book, The Grande Ballroom: Detroit Rock N' Roll Palace, which focused on the venue that helped launch the careers of local legends like the MC5, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent and would later attract international acts like Cream, the Who and Jeff Beck.

A beloved brother, cousin and uncle, Leo loved spending time with his family, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Lavina Early; brother, Dennis Early; nephew Donald Early and niece Robin Early.

He is survived by his brothers, John (Wendy) Early, David (Joanne) Early; sister-in-law, Susan Early, nephews, Kevin (Shannon) Early, David (Krista) Early, Jeremy Early, Blair Early and nieces Sarah (Nate) Sterns, Meghann (Brian) Hoeft and Deborah (Michael) Murphy along with numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 22546 Michigan Ave Dearborn, Michigan 48124 from 10am-12pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Muscular Dystrophy Association or to the American Lung Association.