A jack-of-all-trades who loved the outdoors

WAKEFIELD — Vincent Thomas Leahy, Jr. age 72, a lifelong Wakefield resident, died Friday, March 24 at the High Pointe House in Haverhill.

Born in Somerville on October 29, 1950 he was the son of the late Vincent Thomas and Anna J. (Wineart) Leahy.

Mr. Leahy was raised in Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1969. Following high school he attended recruit training in Parris Island, South Carolina and then served six months in the Marine Reserves at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Vinny remained in the reserves for six years. He was a proud lifetime member of the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club, spending much of his free time with his sons and brother at the range.

Vinny loved being outdoors. He spent much of his summers tending to his vegetable and flower gardens. He was truly a jack-of-all-trades. He could do and fix virtually anything, making him the “go-to” handyman among family and friends. Mr. Leahy was also an enthusiastic storyteller, oftentimes leaving his listeners wondering if his story was true or a spun tale. After his retirement as a mechanical engineer for Procter and Gamble, Mr. Leahy took a part-time job in the garden center at Home Depot; a job where he flourished sharing his knowledge with friends and customers alike.

He was the beloved husband of Diane M. (Cubitoso) Leahy, with whom he met at high school and shared 50 wonderful years of marriage with. He was the loving father of Vincent T. Leahy, III of Wakefield, Kimberly Ann Capici and her husband Martin of Windham, NH and Michael J. Leahy of Wakefield. He was the brother of Ellen Bertrand and her late husband Neil and Kevin Leahy and his wife Jeanne, all of Wakefield. He was the cherished grandfather of Cambria Marie and Nicholas Thomas Capici. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Paco.

At the request of the family, funeral services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
For online guestbook, www.mcdonaldfs.com