Photo courtesy of Iannotti Funeral Home - Coventry
Coventry, Rhode Island
John was born on March 8, 1931 and passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018. John was a resident of Coventry, Florida at the time of passing. He served in Korea where he earned the rank of Sargent in the US Army. Visitation will be held Friday morning December 28, 2018 from 8:00 - 10:15 am in the IANNOTTI Funeral Home, 415 Washington St. (Rte.117), Coventry, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in SS. John & Paul Church, Coventry. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visitation at the Iannotti Funeral Home from 8:00 AM to 10:15 AM on December 28, 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (StJude.org) would be appreciated.
I learned of Mr Leyden's passing only recently. It's hard to overstate the impact this one man had on generations of students. He was inspirational, dedicated, and a brilliant teacher. He lead by example, and could reach down and save a dead-end kid like me, turn him around, and make him a better person. I owe him more than I could ever repay. Godspeed Mr Leyden.
David Gadoury
January 27, 2019 | Geneva, NY
Thinking of you and sending condolences to the Leyden clan.
Lori Olson
January 02, 2019
What a great human being Big John was. Larger than life and glad I got to meet him a few times when I would travel to his farm to buy our Christmas trees. He made everyone feel welcomed.. My thoughts & prayers to his family and friends..Rest In Peace Big John & Thank you for your service in defense of America. - God Speed!
Patrick Olsen
December 30, 2018 | Warwick, RI
I can't think about high school or Christmas without thinking of Mr Leyden. As a city girl in his FFA class he always made me feel like I belonged. He was a kind man and he was an an amazing teacher. He encouraged me to participate in things I never would have tried and made you feel like you could accomplish anything. When he thought I could make better choices he told me that too. In the summer of 1981 he took a bunch of us to his young tree farm, we learned about the different Christmas...
Christine Marseglia Giuliani
December 30, 2018 | SC
The best of the first teachers at Scituate High School and the reason I chose to become a teacher a great role model enjoyed planting those xmas trees MR LEYDEN.
Bruce Bennett
December 30, 2018 | Lincoln R, I,
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences along with comfort from God's word at 1 Pet. 5:7
December 29, 2018
Dear Leyden family,
So very sorry for your loss. "Big John" was not only big in stature. He was larger than life with a heart and personality to match. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack, Carlotta and John Leyden III
Surfside Fl.
December 28, 2018
Such a wonderful man! For years, I would bring my 1st graders on a field trip to the farm. He always made us feel special and would greet me with a smile and a big hug. I can hear him saying "Welcome. welcome. welcome!" even now. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire family. He was a gem and I am honored to have known him. Rest in peace.
Stephanie Hazian DiChiro
December 28, 2018 | Johnston, RI
Remembered By
donna carew
December 28, 2018 | West Warwick, RI
