Leander, Roy W. Jr. of Abington, MA, son of the late Roy Sr. and Ruth Leander, died at the age of 83 on August 13, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Roy is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Judith N. (Marsh) Leander, his daughter Joyce DiNolti, her husband Rick and his grandson Michael of Hudson, NH.
Roy was born in Quincy MA where he grew up, graduating from Quincy High School. He excelled as an outstanding high school football player and ran track. Post high school he played for the Quincy Morrisette Post semi-professional football team that was a feeder system for the Boston Patriot Football team of the early 1960’s.
Roy and Judy moved to Abington in 1971 where for the next 52 years the couple called home.
Roy was a career employee and driver for the Coca Cola Bottling Company out of Needham.
Roy was well-known in Abington given his presence around town and his outgoing personality. Roy organized and was the player coach for the Abington Liquors Men’s softball team that became the preeminent team winning 5 league championships in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. He was also known on the South Shore as one of the area’s best softball pitchers.
Roy was a long-time member of the Abington’s Colonial Runners Club where he was a regular Tuesday night runner and was a significant contributor to the organization. He was an above average bowler in the Men’s Candlepin Bowling League at the Timberlane’s Bowling Alley in Abington for many years. He was an avid Abington High School sports enthusiast attending many football, basketball and baseball games exemplifying his Green Wave pride and spirit at each sporting event. Many former Abington High School sports athletes will remember Roy at their games rooting them on.
One of Roy’s finest qualities was his positive attitude. He made you feel good just talking to him. Roy remained cheerful and optimistic to the end and often expressed his gratitude for the wonderful family and friends in his life.
Services will be private.