John J. Leahy, Jr. Print

John J. Leahy, Jr.

 
Loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, 85
 
 John J. Leahy, Jr., 85, of Nashua, formerly of Lowell, died Sunday, November 22nd at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua. He was the beloved husband of Martha A. (Smith) Leahy who survives him and with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 21st of this year.
 John was born in the homestead on Oakland Street, Lowell, Massachusetts on February 2, 1930.  He was the fourth of six children and the first boy for John and Elizabeth (Powers) Leahy.
 John graduated from Keith Academy in 1947 and entered Maryknoll Seminary. He graduated from Maryknoll College in Glen Ellyn, Illinois with a Bachelor Degree in Philosophy. In 1959, he earned a Master Degree in Counseling at Boston College. John was the recipient of a General Electric Fellowship to Syracuse University. He was drafted into the Navy and was assigned to Squadron VF-14 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forestall and honorably discharged in 1957. He spent the next forty years in the field of education as a teacher, guidance counselor, School Psychologist, Director of Pupil Personnel in Manchester, NH and as School Psychologist in Lowell.
 As the first certified school psychologist in New Hampshire, he established the first chapter of the National School Psychology Association in the state. John was President of the NH Psychology Association, a board member of the Easter Seal advisory committee, a board member of the Merrimack Valley Samaritans, and on retirement a Court appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children (CASA).
 John was very proud of his Irish citizenship and enjoyed his travels to Ireland especially the family trip in 2005.  He thoroughly enjoyed many summers on Cape Cod.
 John is survived by his wife of more than fifty years, Martha (Smith) Leahy, son Sean and his wife, Sachiko of Nashua, NH, and his son, Patrick of Bourne, MA. His life was greatly enriched by the birth of his three grandchildren, Ethan James Leahy of Bourne, Aiko Rose and John Ichiro of Nashua.  
He leaves his four sisters, Elizabeth Nangle, Elinor O'Connor, Marilyn Gill and her husband, Peter and Joan Lenzi and her husband, Albert all of Lowell. John is survived also by his only brother, Atty. Daniel P. Leahy and his wife, Gloria also of Lowell. John leaves his brother in law, Joseph P. Smith and his wife, Donna, and a sister in law, Mary E. Howe. Many nieces, nephews and their children are also left.
  He was predeceased by brothers in law, William F. Nangle, James R. O'Connor, Robert A. Smith and Richard P. Howe
 The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Joseph Hospital and the Courville Community in Nashua for the compassion ad care they bestowed upon John.
  Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 2 to 5 P.M. Friday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday morning at ST. MARGARET CHURCH in Lowell at 10 o’clock. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
Condolences (2)
  • Anna, Fred, and Megan Scherer
    Dear Martha and family we are so sorry to hear about the loss of this wonderful guy. We rented your place on Lewis Bay and Fred did some carpenter work for you guys. My daughter will be 34 this year and we will never forget the wonderful times at Lewis Bay. The kindness, compassion, for a young Family to succeed. Hugs and prayers to you all...Love you lots...made a difference for our Fam..Thank you!
  • Anna, Fred & Megan Scherer
    Dear Martha & family...so sorry to hear about the passing of this wonderful guy. We rented from you guys at Lewis Bay and Fred did some carpenter work as well. My daughter will be 34 this year, but we will never forget the kindness, compassion, and general caring for a young family (The Scherer's) to succeed. Love you guys...our thoughts and prayers are with you...Hugs to you all!
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