We all possess some type of genius, and Ryan Leone’s genius was his love of stories, particularly those portrayed in books or film. That love helped him turn his life around after his lifetime flirtation with drugs landed him in federal prison. During his four years of incarceration, he spent numerous stints in solitary confinement, arguably a counter-productive form of torture that has no place in our country’s penal system. He nonetheless wrote Wasting Talent, which sold approximately 400,000 copies after publication in 2012.
During his final year in prison, Ryan turned to a positive addiction, physical fitness, and coupled with exceptional nutrition became uncommonly healthy and strong. He resolved to address the outrages he experienced by working hard to change the world. His passions were twofold: to help addicts manage and not be shamed by their addiction and to call attention to the myriad injustices of our criminal justice system.
Ryan Harrison Leone was born August 3, 1985, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the only child of Diane and Frank Leone. The family moved to Santa Barbara in 1989. Ryan passed away on July 2, 2022.
In Loving Memory…
Paul Richard Harper was one of Ryan Leone’s closest friends. Paul passed away from an accidental opioid overdose in 2019 at the age of 37. Ryan was deeply moved by Paul’s passing and resolved to do something constructive to memorialize Paul’s life. Paul is the inspiration behind the Ryan Leone Foundation.
Paul’s compassion fueled his ongoing desire to share his story with those struggling with similar challenges. His experience, knowledge, and his art contributed to Monterey County efforts to improve addiction treatment and raise support for those in recovery. His efforts brought hope and positive change to countless individuals
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