William Leavy of Ledyard Connecticut passed away on May18th 2024.
He is survived by his loving wife Vera Leavy from Waterford, CT and his four children Maryam Abdul-Karim, Alleen Rutherford (Robert Rutherford), William A Leavy (Leticia Leavy deceased) and Wayne Leavy. Nine grandchildren (2 deceased) and 19 greatgrandchildren (1 deceased). His sisters Harweda Polite, Yvonne Moss, Geraldine Weston and Celestine. (deceased).
Born August 23rd 1927 in Hartsville South Carolina and raised in his early years by his mother Anaphine Leavy and his grandmother Wicker. In his formative years he moved to Philadelphia to be raised by his aunts, Rose, Willie, Pert, Anna May and Pauline. While in Philadelphia he excelled in sports and became the Philadelphia Golden Gloves Welterweight Boxing Champion.
In May 1947 he enlisted in The Coast Guard stationed in New London Connecticut where he met the love of his life Vera Marie Sebastian from Old Mystic CT. Their love affair would continue for 76 years and will never die. He worked at General Dynamics in Groton CT starting as a welder. Continuing his education, he worked there as a Draftsman and finally as an Electrical Engineer. He attained advanced degrees in the process.
He had a strong commitment to community service through his Ledyard youth football coaching and as a committee member of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Elders. Later in life he became an ordained minister and served in the capacity at his church the Ledyard Gales Ferry Baptist Church. He also served as a Chaplain as clergy on call at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic, followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Service at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic, CT.