Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1929
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
500 University Blvd. West
Silver Spring, Maryland
RICHARD LEAHY Obituary
RICHARD C. LEAHY
Richard "Papa" Leahy, family man, scholar, culinary malcontent, lover of books, egg fu young and coffee, died peacefully on October 31, 2018 on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. His greatest joy was to gather family and friends around a table, introduce a topic for discussion, take the most contrarian position and then let the fireworks begin. Richard was born on June 11, 1929 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Ethel and James Leahy. He attended Cretin High School then spent seven years at the St. Paul Seminary. On April 15, 1961, Richard married Ann Maloney of Brighton, MA and moved to Washington, DC. Richard began his professional life at Minnesota Mutual. In 1975, he launched the Richard Leahy Corporation, which he ran successfully until he sold it in 1986. In 1991, along with wife Ann and friend Sister Damon, Richard turned his attention to raising money to build a university to educate the rural poor in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia. Through his tireless efforts and powers of persuasion, the college became a reality and just celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Papa's eleven grandchildren Damon, Lucy, Eliza, Ellen, Annie, Daisy, Matt, Cassidy, Tony, Joe and Nora, his four children, Molly, Tony, Kate and Mark and their spouses, Joe, Reenie, Greg and Nadine and his wife, Ann will miss the adventures and conversations they shared with him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Ethel, brothers, Jim, Jerry, Mike, Pat and his sister, Janet. Relatives and friends may call at Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 5949 Western Ave., NW, Washington, DC, on Tuesday, November 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., where celebration of his life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 7 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Carmen Pampa Fund, P.O. Box 131145, St.Paul, MN 55113 or www.carmenpampafund.org/donate www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD LEAHY
Joel Mugge
November 13, 2018
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. I remember with great pleasure the time I was able to spend with both of you.
Maureen Carr
November 7, 2018
So sorry for your loss...you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Klett
November 6, 2018
May Dick rest in peace. i was a H. S. classmate of his & well remember his sense of humor and energy.
Bill Klett
November 6, 2018
I was one of Dick's classmates at dear old Cretin High & well remember his sense of humor. After he left the seminary, he moved to Chicago where Bob Lodge & his wife & Marlene & I resided. He invited us to an open house at his Apt. As I recall, parties had to end at midnight in that building. When we arrived the Apt. was full & I mean packed body to body, talking & drinking & in no mood to quit at midnight. Poor Dick could not get any of his fun loving friends to go home. So he climbed up on a table & shouted, "Go Home! Go home The party is over!" No one moved & I don't know when the party ended, but Dick had to give up. All I know is he didn't get evicted & I think that's the last time I ever saw him cuz he moved to the Washington, D.C., area. May his soul rest in peace. Will will include him in our moment of silence for deceased classmates at our annual luncheon.
jIm O'Leary
November 5, 2018
In our Freshman year in the seminary I was his room mate.
We became lifelong friends. I think everybody who ever knew him became his friend. I will just say this: He was one of the greatest, kindest, most generous man I have ever known. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon hm.
Sue Bryant
November 5, 2018
Dear Ann, Molly, Tony, Kate and Mark, and all those lucky grand kids, I too remember fondly those dinner conversations where I honed my argumentative tools as a lawyer with Dick and all he gathered around the table. In the end though, the twinkle in his eye gave it all away -- he was mostly only half serious! His love of gathering family around was deep. All who felt that love have a lifetime ahead of cherishing it. I know I do. Much Love, Sue
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in RICHARD LEAHY's name
Memorial Events
for RICHARD LEAHY
Nov
6
Funeral services provided by:
Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901
How to support RICHARD's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor RICHARD LEAHY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
