Obituary of Leo Bahan

Leo Francis Bahan, a man who lived his faith every day, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, July 11, 2018. He was 89 years old. Leo was born in Somerville. He was one of 7 children born to George and Grace Bahan. He grew up in Somerville and was educated in Somerville. He was a graduate of Somerville High School. He finished a year of college and had been working at Tulloch Dental Labs in Boston prior to being inducted into the Army during the Korean War. His unique experience led to his him to be assigned to the Army Medical Department’s Dental Corps. He faithfully served his country for 2 years until his discharge in February of 1953. After his military service he spent years going part time to Boston University until finally earning his degree. Leo had worked for George H. Dean Co. in in South Boston and Braintree for well over 25 years. The company was a financial printing company, and Leo’s position was that of Purchasing Estimator. Leo never got his driver’s license so he took the bus and train to work every day. He had the mindset that the long commute gave him an opportunity to read the newspaper cover to cover each day. He had a strong work ethic and always wanted what was best for his company and coworkers. Leo believed in being involved and giving of oneself to your community and church. When he was younger, raising his family in Medford, he was active in the VFW and the Elks. He participated in their charitable activities, socials, and other community events. For over 20 years, he has been volunteering every Monday and Wednesday at Woburn Council for Social Concern’s Food Pantry. He participated in charitable walking events like the Walk for Hunger. He also had a strong Catholic faith. He was a longtime member of St. Francis Church in Medford where he was a faith parishioner, Usher, and Eucharistic Minister. When he and his family moved to Woburn 25 years ago, he quickly got involved in St. Barbra’s Parish. He once again served an Usher, Eucharistic Minister, and assisted the parish priests as an altar server during funeral masses. He was so adamant about going to church, that in his later years, he took his medical treatments around his mass schedule. At home, his family saw him regularly praying the Rosary. Leo not only practiced his faith, he lived his faith every day in his words, actions, and deeds. Leo was a man devoted to his family. He married his wife Lorraine on June 4, 1961. He always placed her and his children’s wants and needs before his own. He worked long hours to provide for them all. Family time was very important to his as well. There were summer vacations to Hampton Beach and Cape Cod; and a condominium in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire for all to enjoy. He hosted backyard barbeques and pool parties in the summer. Nothing made him happier than seeing his family and friends enjoying themselves. He was so proud of his grandsons and was always on the sidelines for their baseball and soccer games, or in the stands or audience for their special events or school shows. He was blessed to have lived a long life and that he was always surrounded by loving family and friends. Leo was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine (Roina) Bahan. He was the loving father of Rowena Mattson & her husband Kenneth of Woburn, Lynda Bahan of Woburn, and the late Edward Bahan. He was the proud grandfather of Ryan and Timothy Mattson of Woburn and the late Daniel and Bryan Mattson. He was the devoted brother of Joan Larson, Joseph and John Bahan all of Somerville, Regina Vigorito of Medford, and the late Roberta and George “Sonny” Bahan. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. A visiting hour will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Saturday, July 14 from 8:30 -9:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd, Woburn at 10 a.m. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Leo’s name may be made to the Council of Social Concern, 2 Merrimac Street, Woburn, MA 01801 or www.socialconcern.org. For directions obituary & online guestbook see www.stbarbaraparish.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net