Obituary of Lawrence Leboda

Lawrence Leboda, dedicated his life to the care of the elderly, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, at his home in San Francisco. He was 47 years old. Larry was born in Winchester, the son of Henry and Jane Leboda. He grew up in Burlington. He excelled in Burlington High School, Class of 1978. He served as Vice president of the Class, President of the National Honor Society, Captain of the Football team, and competed in wrestling. He received prestigious DAR and Lahey Clinic Foundation Awards. He went onto graduate from Harvard University with a degree in Psychology. He then attended University of Massachusetts in Amherst to earn a degree in writing. Larry’s concern for those in need led him to a career in elder affairs. He worked as an analyst and advocate for an elders affairs firm in Malden, Massachusetts. He moved within the firm to their office in San Mateo, CA. He then spent 7 years working for the State of California as a manager and analyst in the State’s Department of Aging. He recently accepted a mangerial position with the San Francisco Institute on Aging. Larry worked hard to be an advocate for the elderly and found his work quite rewarding. His concern and willingness to act on his belief’s improved the quality of life for many seniors. Larry enjoyed the California lifestyle. He enjoyed cycling, running, swimming, cross country skiing and weight lifting. He appreciated the diverse culture and was a patron of the local Theater, Music, and Arts. He also enjoyed photography, botany and gardening. He was an avid reader and writer. He treasured his surroundings, family, and friends. Larry was the beloved son of Henry and Jane “Skip” (Ahearn) Leboda of Burlington. Brother of Jane Anne Leboda and Paul & his fiancée Sarah Velasquez all of Dallas, TX. Nephew of Richard Smith of Burlington, Elizabeth Ahearn of Arlington, Catherine McCarthy of Oxford, and Helen O’Laughlin of Worcester. Cousin of Brenda Willis, Brian O’Hearne, John Smith, James “Butch”, Daniel, Mary Ellen, Deidre, William, and Jane Ahearn, Ryan & Ashlee Willis, Ryan, Cameron, Nicholas, Jennifer, Melissa, and Alison Ahearn. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday Feb. 25 from 9 –10:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Interment will be private. Memorials in Larry’s name may be made to the Boston Rescue Mission, PO Box 120069, Boston, MA 02112-0069.