Obituary of William V Leahy

William V. Leahy passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, October 21, 2018.  He was 91 years old and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Catherine T. Leahy.

He was born in Haverhill, the son of Irish immigrants, the late David and Ellen Leahy.  He was devoted to his parents and his family of seven siblings. He grew up in Dorchester and was a graduate of Boston’s High School of Commerce.  He enlisted in the Coast Guard at a young age to serve his country during the tail end of World War II.  He was in training in Brooklyn when the war ended; he and his shipmates made their way to Times Square to participate in the famous celebration. 

After his service he got a degree in accounting from the Bentley School of Accounting, then located in Boston.  Eventually he took a position with the defense and aerospace contractor, Avco (later Textron) in Everett, and worked with dedication for many decades with the company. 

Bill lived his life devoted to his family, with a strong work ethic, and a strong faith.  He was the person who was always there for his family and friends. He was strong, steadfast, supportive, encouraging, and loving.  He always looked for the positive in everything and everyone.  He was a great role model for his four sons. He was delighted to become a “Pop” to his 7 grandchildren.  He cherished the time spent with each and was so proud of them all.  Bill’s family witnessed the little acts like shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, coaching Little League, being active in the Knights of Columbus, going to Mass, always reaching out to family members here and in Ireland so that the family bonds would not weaken, and countless other simple acts of thoughtfulness.  He was an avid golfer and member of the Lexington Country Club.  He took up downhill skiing in his 60’s. He was a great reader and student of history, astronomy and oceanography.  He and his wife, Kay, loved traveling across the United States, Canada, Israel, Europe, and especially Ireland. 

Bill was the loving husband of 64 years of Catherine “Kay” (Keohane) Leahy. He was the caring and loving father of William F. & his wife Deborah of Falls Church, VA, Robert & his wife Jennifer of Sudbury, Stephen of Belmont, and David & his wife Jacqueline of Billerica. He was the proud grandfather of Maura, Kevin, & Denis of Falls Church, VA, Kristen & Susan of Sudbury, and Michelle & Emily of Billerica. He was the loyal son of the late David and Ellen Leahy. He was the brother of Esther McGurn of Melrose, the late Margaret Edmunds, Patricia Loveridge, Eleanor, John, Joseph, and Edward Leahy. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St, Burlington (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 4-8 p.m. Friends and relatives may gather at the funeral home on Friday, Oct. 26 at 8:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at St. Agnes Church, Medford St., Arlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington. Memorials in Bill’s name may be made to CatholicTV , PO Box 9196, 34 Chestnut Street, Watertown, MA 02471 or www.Catholictv.org. For directions obituary & online guestbook see www.saintagnes.net or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net