Equality Ohio Statement Honoring LeeAnn Massucci

Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community lost a hero this week with the passing of LeeAnn Massucci. LeeAnn was a dedicated attorney and staunch LGBTQ+ advocate. She served as the Co-Director of the Equality Ohio Legal Clinic, leading the agency’s family law practice efforts to provide unprecedented legal access and protection for Ohio’s LGBTQ+ families. 

LeeAnn started her law firm, Massucci Law Group, in 2016, and it would soon become one of Ohio’s most sought after family law practices in the state. She dedicated much of her career to representing the best interests of children and families. In 2020, LeeAnn was named among Ohio Lawyers Top 25 Women’s List, and for many years she was a mainstay on Ohio Super Lawyers. 

LeeAnn not only trail-blazed a path of legal equality for LGBTQ+ families, she also worked tirelessly to support LGBTQ+ organizations through her service on several boards and as the founder and owner of Clubhouse Cafe. This inclusive coffee shop was an epicenter of safety for the community during pivotal moments in Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ rights movement. 

LeeAnn  was also a mentor to many young, queer lawyers and future practitioners. Her life and work inspired creative lawyering, compassion for clients, and instilled a deep sense of justice. Many of her mentees continue to work to carry on LeeAnn’s legacy to ensure that LGBTQ+ families are afforded the same rights and protections as all families in Ohio. She met challenges with practicality, sensitivity, and a great sense of humor. 

Beyond her legal scope, LeeAnn was an incredible colleague to everyone at Equality Ohio. She  was a profoundly intelligent and inspiring advocate, and even on the hardest days, she could always make us laugh. Her warmth and willingness to go the extra mile underlined everything that she did. LeeAnn’s accomplishments and achievements were numerous, but what made them so palpable and impactful was who she was as a person. 

LeeAnn was also a nationally ranked tennis player and once served as the head women’s tennis coach at The Ohio State University. She was also an officer of the Greater Columbus Tennis Association. 

LeeAnn is survived by her dedicated spouse of 32 years, Lori J. Brown, their dogs, Red and Cooper and their cat, Oliver, along with a nationwide community of family, friends, and colleagues. 

As we mourn LeeAnn’s passing, we also celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind. Her commitment, courage, and compassion will continue to guide the work of Equality Ohio and all who knew her.

The family requests any memorial donations in honor of LeeAnn’s life be made to Equality Ohio: LeeAnn Massucci Memorial Donation Page. Donations can also be made to Doberman Underground (dudobes.org), or Cozy Cat Cottage (cozycatcottage.org).

Rest well, LeeAnn. Your impact will never be forgotten.