James E Leahy, ConRail retiree
James Eugene Leahy, 77, of Ocean View, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011.
Born Sept. 28, 1933, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Leahy graduated from State University of New York Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the Korean War.
James worked for the New York Central Railroad, which later became ConRail, for 43 years. An avid sports fan, he also worked part time for several years for the Philadelphia Phillies in security as the supervisor of Gate H. He retired from ConRail in 1998 and joined MBNA’s security department for the remainder of his working career. In addition he was a eucharistic minister at St. John/Holy Angels Catholic Church in Newark, and St. Ann’s Parish in Bethany Beach. He also served as the captain of the honor guard at the Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234.
James, affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” by his grandkids, was preceded in death by his mother and father, Thomas and Ruth Leahy. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Cecelia Leahy; his daughters, Colleen Leahy Harris (David), Katie Leahy, Kerry Lisiewski (Greg); his sons, James E. Leahy Jr. (Betteann), Michael Leahy (Rose Ann), and Matthew Leahy (Amy). He will also be sadly missed by his 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Jonathan, Steven, Ryan, and Jordan Leahy, Kyle Harris, Jennifer, Thomas, and Nicholas Leahy, Courtney and Cecelia Lisiewski, Connor and Kellan Leahy and Benjamin Widtfeldt. James is also survived by his brother, Thomas Leahy (Guillermina); and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to Seasons Hospice for all the compassionate care during this difficult time.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, and also from 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Rd., Ocean View. A graveside service will be Thursday at All Saints’ Cemetery in Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Ann’s building fund, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, or Seasons Hospice 300 Biddle Ave., Suite 205 Newark, DE 19702.
