Leo J. Mahar Jr.

1928 - 2021

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Leo J. Mahar, Jr., who passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Leo was born on February 28, 1928 and was a life time resident of Hoosick Falls. He was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Leo Mahar, Sr., and his wife of sixty years Jean Mahar. Leo had a deep appreciation and love of nature and the vast wilderness. Starting early in life he enjoyed trapping, fishing, and hunting. His family was often entertained by the stories of his rambunctious, adventurous youth.

He was a graduate of Hoosick Falls High School, where he enjoyed playing football. As a young man he was drafted by the United States Army in 1949. During his two tours of duty, he survived the freezing cold foxholes of Korea and the loss of many comrades. He was wounded in battle and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Jeanne Bossalini, who was his nurse at the V.A. Hospital. It was love at first site and the beginning of a long and prosperous marriage, blessed with six children.

He started Leo J. Mahar Excavating and was active in the business for forty-five years. Some of his greatest pleasures besides being a father and grandfather, were climbing Mount Fuji, hunting in British Columbia, spending time at the family camp on Hedges Lake and building his log cabin on the mountain for his friends and family to enjoy.

He is survived by his six children, Susan (Harry) Hermann, Michael (Leslie) Mahar, Mema (Brian) Peat, Elizabeth Cohoon, Jeanne (Richard) Clark and Patricia (Michael) Ryan, twelve grandchildren, Noelle, Kimberly, Matthew, Marissa, Lauryn, Leslie, Kathryn, Alison, Ryan, Shannon, Madeline and Elizabeth, two great grandchildren Jameson and Cameron, sister-in-law Barbara Bossalini, several nieces and nephews and his canine friend "Rusty" who brought him so much joy.

Leo will be forever remembered for his great sense of humor, but most importantly for the love of his family and country.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, December 3, at 10:00 am, from the Immaculate Conception Church on Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Relatives and friends may call at the Mahar Funeral Home in Hoosick Falls on Thursday, December 2, from 4:00-7:00 pm. Burial will be private in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hoosick Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad or the Town of Hoosick Historical Society through the funeral home.