LeRoy Lehr

LeRoy Lehr, Respected Metropolitan Opera Bass and Community Advocate, Dies at 90

A revered bass-baritone who graced some of the world's grandest stages with his resonant voice, LeRoy Lehr passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on May 9, 2025. He was 90.

Born May 18, 1934, in Burnstad, North Dakota, LeRoy was the eighth of nine children born to August and Pauline Lehr, German immigrants who carved out a life on the prairie with resilience and grit. Raised on a remote farm in North Dakota with no electricity or running water, LeRoy's early years were shaped by hard work, harsh winters, and the sounds of music-a constant in the Lehr household, where every child played an instrument. LeRoy chose the piano. By 14, he felt a calling to sing.

Graduating high school at just 15, LeRoy struck out on his own, moving to Minneapolis in late 1950 with little more than ambition and a dream. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, he used the GI Bill to study liberal arts and engineering, ultimately building a successful parallel career in the engineering field. By day, he worked for companies like General Electric and Electric Machinery. At night and on weekends, he pursued his passion for singing-performing, teaching, and helping to establish what would become the Minnesota Opera, embracing both traditional and avant-garde productions.

At 50, LeRoy made a bold leap. He moved to New York City and pursued his artistic calling full-time. Within a few years, he joined the Metropolitan Opera, where he performed in more than 300 productions over 19 seasons. His career also included premieres with major composers, appearances with top orchestras, and performances across Europe, the U.K., Canada, Asia, and Russia. Along the way, he met and worked with legendary artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Dave Brubeck.

After retiring in 2010, LeRoy and his beloved wife of 35 years, stage director Veronica Reed, settled in Albuquerque's North Valley. There, he served on the board of the Alvarado Gardens Neighborhood Association, joined the North Valley Coalition, and found joy in mountain views, community engagement, and the occasional streamed opera from the Met.

A devoted family man who cherished his roles as a father and stepfather, LeRoy is lovingly remembered by his children Cynthia Lehr (Steve Brill), Steven Lehr, and Kelly Lehr; stepchildren Dana McMullan (Pam) and Robin McMullan (Paul Stroh); and grandchildren Aurora Lehr (Quillan Olin) and Christopher Lehr. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Lehr (Daphyne Albee), and his wife, Veronica. If you would like to honor his memory, the family of LeRoy Lehr recommends gifts be made in his name to Vocalessence, The University of New Mexico Scholarship Fund, Opera Southwest, or public radio.