Leo Masse, 80, of Derry, NH died Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH. He was born in Leominster, MA, a son of the late Alphonse and Corinne (Desilet) Masse. He had been a resident of Derry for the past several years, formerly of Belleview, FL.
Leo was born and raised in Leominster, MA and graduated from Notre Dame High School where he was the captain of the football team and earned the nickname “bulldog” for his tenacity and determination. After high school, he carried these traits into a long and distinguished career in sales. He firmly believed in doing business the old school way; show up, look someone straight in the eye, shake their hand and honor your word. With Leo, it was never about the next sale, but about earning the respect and trust of clients and colleagues alike.
In the early 1990s, Leo worked for Sterling, a division of the Kohler company, before joining BRK brands in 1995. He was the regional commercial manager and was instrumental in making BRK Brands the dominant supplier in the RV/manufactured housing industry. In 2011, Leo joined Sand Sales where he was a valued member of the ownership team. This was Leo’s most rewarding and fulfilling position of his storied career. Leo made connections and lifelong friends easily. He never judged a person by their station in life and was always willing to share his wisdom and experience. He was often quoted saying “learn from my mistakes.” Though retired several years before his passing, he continued to be close friends and mentors to many in business and in life.
Leo had fond memories of summers at Lake Shirley in Lunenburg, MA. He was an avid water skier and enjoyed golfing, motorcycling, fishing, and boating. Most of all, Leo took immense pride in his two daughters and five grandchildren and was so happy to have moved back to New England to be closer to them. He found his greatest joy spending time with them and celebrating their every success. Leo enjoyed the simple things life had to offer - a good movie, a bowl of vanilla ice cream and, of course, the family’s annual Lobsterfest! Most recently, his happiest times were with his daughters, sitting lakeside or watching over the animals at the farm. He lived by his motto, “Family Strong” and encouraged all to believe that no obstacle was greater than the strength of the family.
He is survived by two daughters, Corinne Foglia and her husband David of Salem, NH and Kristen McCormick and her husband Wayne of Chester, NH and five grandchildren, Shannon (Foglia) Brandy and her husband Dylan, Mark Foglia, Sean McCormick, Kelley McCormick, and Katelyn McCormick. He was predeceased by his brother, Br. Herve Masse.
Following cremation, private services will be held at a later date. Leo was always very generous, and the family takes great comfort in learning just how far that generosity extended. His random and subtle acts of kindness brought joy and help to people who needed it most. In lieu of flowers, please do something nice for someone else….and try not to get caught! The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements.