Ira W. Leighton Jr.

I think about my dear brother all the time. He will always be in my heart, and I will never forget how much he meant to all of us. His 40 + years of hard work and dedication with the EPA and his life mission to protect our environment was indeed remarkable. He was loved and respected by his family and so many other people. I know he is happily reunited with his beloved wife Maureen, our mom, dad, and extended family. Until we are reunited again, I will honor his memory and my good fortune of...

One of the most innovative, intelligent, motivated and kind colleague I have know. I so enjoyed working with him. Linda Boornazian.

Environmental Business Council of New England, EBEE Awards Dinner, Renaissance Waterfront Hotel, Boston MA, May 21 2104
The Ira W Leighton Jr. Outstanding Environmental Energy Technology Achievement Award
Remarks in Tribute by Robert V Bibbo

When Ira W. Leighton Jr., my friend of 56 years, passed away last July it was an unexpected jolt. He was missed at our 50th high school reunion. His frequently mentioned plans for retirement on the Cape were never realized. Our spontaneous...

Ira and I worked together in Superfund and in Water...when I worked in EPA Headquarters. He is truly a man who had the most creative ideas in the country and whom I very much respected. He would ask me, "what do you think...am I crazy....I would say, no just amazing and you should go for it. Peace be with you Ira. Linda Boornazian

Ira will be missed in the Environmental Justice Community. We in Connecticut mourn his passing, and send our deepest condolences to his family, and to all of our friends at EPA. He was a WONDERFUL person, and he will be missed in Connecticut, and throughout the country, but I am sure that he will be missed by his EPA family in Boston as well. My condolences to Ira's loving family, and all of those who loved him throughout the country. Sincerely,
Cynthia R. Jennings,...

I worked for Ira in the 80s when we were in the Superfund enforcement program together. He was a fabulous boss, he always put people first. He had a kind and generous spirit, and his curiosity was infectious. I can still hear his laugh and feel blessed that my path crossed his.

We both started our EPA careers in the same program with Ira shortly after EPA was first established. We knew then what a special, caring, and dedicated person he was. He will be sorely missed...Mark and Laura Malone

To Ira's families, related and unrelated (EPA and beyond), I was so sorry to hear of Ira's death. I worked with him many years ago and have continued to see his work from my current role. The country has lost an effective and quietly inspirational leader.

We had the pleasure of working with Ira in the early days of EPA in the 70's and 80's - and continued relationship with work at MWRA. As many of the other messages have noted, always a gentleman, quick smile and engaging personality. Will be missed in the environmental field for his pragmatic approach to problems.