WORCESTER: William E. Leahey, 91, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and resident of Brewster on Cape Cod, formerly of Clover St. in Worcester, died peacefully on Friday, May 10, 2013, after a long illness.
He leaves seven children, Maureen Leahey of Harwich, MA, William E. Leahey, Jr. and his wife Christine of Manhattan, NY, Kathleen A. Totolo and her husband Christopher of Goose Creek, SC, Patrick J. Leahey and his wife Colleen of Harwich, MA, James Michael Leahey and his wife Hope of Goose Creek, SC, Robert F. Leahey of Goose Creek, SC, Bridget E. Reynolds and her husband G. Scott of Houston, TX; two brothers, Paul I. Leahey and his wife Sharon, James J. Leahey and his wife Annette, all of Worcester, MA; 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Four Sisters, Evelyn L. Deignan, Margaret A. Coughlin, Anita L. Kelly and Marie T. Sullivan, all predeceased him. He was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late William H. and Eva (St. Thomas) Leahey. As a teenager, he was an accomplished student at the Citizens’ Military Training Camp at Fort Devens. He also graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School and Babson College in Wellesley. He traveled extensively during his career before retiring to Cape Cod.
Bill was born to be a soldier. He served our country with both the National Guard and the U. S. Army for a combined total of 33 years, retiring as a Full Colonel. He was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. His service included duty stations in Germany and Japan. His last assignment was at the Pentagon where he was awarded the Legion of Merit for Exceptionally Meritorious Conduct in the performance of his duties. He was a member of the Appalachian Hiking Club and a former member of Our Lady of the Angels Church.
CALLING HOURS are 6 to 8 P.M. on WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 in KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St. A FUNERAL MASS will be held at 10 A.M. on THURSDAY, MAY 16 in OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS CHURCH, 1222 Main St., followed by burial in St. John’s Cemetery.
The family suggests donations in memory of Bill be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 (www.cancer.org) or Harwich Family Pantry, 133 Queen Anne Rd., Harwich, MA 02645. (www.thefamilypantry.com) To obtain directions or share your thoughts and memories with the family on-line, please visit www.kellyfuneralhome.com