Brian Leahy, age 72, of Maple Shade, New Jersey, passed away suddenly on March 8, 2026, at Cooper University Hospital. Born June 2, 1953, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Brian lived a life marked by generosity and a deep love for family, friends, and the many passions that filled his days.
Brian was the beloved son of the late William and Catherine Leahy (née Haas). He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Terrence Leahy and sister Eileen [Bryan] McKernan and his sister-in-law Diane Leahy. He is survived by his brother William Leahy and his sister-in-law Marie “Bunny” Leahy (née Anderson). Brian was a proud and loving uncle to William, Diane, Marie, John, Terrence, Kevin, and Megan [Dan] Nakaguchi. He was also the cherished great-uncle of Grayson and Hudson Nakaguchi.
He is further survived by his dear cousins Carolan Kviklys and her late husband Larry, Kathleen (Jay) Middleton, Ronald (Sharon) Coppola, Francis “Franny” (Kathy) Coppola, and Kenneth (Maureen) Coppola, as well as a multitude of close friends who were fortunate to know him.
Brian devoted 38 years to the casino industry, working as a dealer at the Claridge, the Taj Mahal, and Valley Forge casinos. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Business Administration, he brought both professionalism and personality to his work and formed lasting friendships throughout his long career.
Known to many as a true Renaissance man, Brian had a wide range of interests and an endless curiosity about the world. He was generous with his time, kind to everyone he met, and seemed to know much about everything. A passionate sports fan, Brian was a devoted supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies and held season tickets for many years. He loved traveling the country attending Major League Baseball games in different ballparks.
Brian also had a deep appreciation for horse racing and was the proud owner of thoroughbred horses. He was an avid golfer, a dedicated mall-walker at the Cherry Hill Mall, and an enthusiastic patron of the arts, enjoying theater, opera, and performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra. A lifelong member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maple Shade, Brian remained deeply connected to his faith and his community. He also embraced life’s pleasures as an enthusiastic, if unofficial, foodie who appreciated good food and good company.
Brian will be remembered for his warm heart, quick wit, and the genuine kindness he extended to everyone he met. Whether sharing stories with friends, cheering on his beloved Philadelphia sports teams, or enjoying the simple pleasure of good conversation, Brian had a way of making people feel welcome and valued. His life was rich with friendships, laughter, and curiosity about the world, and the many people whose lives he touched will carry his memory forward with gratitude and affection.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, March 13, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maple Shade, New Jersey, followed by his Mass of Christan Burial at 11:30 A.M. Interment will take place afterwards at New St. Mary’s Cemetery 515 W. Browning Road, Bellmawr, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made in Brian's Memory to New York Trac k Chaplaincy, PO Box 37191, Elmont, NY 11003 (rtcany.org)
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