William Maurice "Bill" Leen M.D.

William Maurice "Bill" Leen, M.D. died peacefully in his home with his family at his side on Wednesday (January 2, 2002). Born August 17, 1922 in Cork, Ireland, son of Thomas and Masie Leen. Brother to Dermot, Josephine, Patrick and Thomas. Raised in Tralee, Ireland. Attended secondary school at Clongowes Wood in Kildare, Ireland and medical school at University College, Dublin, Ireland. While in medical school, he served as Lieutenant in the LDF, local defense force, from 1942-1945. Emigrated to U.S. in 1947. Finished surgical residency at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn N.Y. where he met and married the love of his life, Gerda Patricia Beath Leen "Pat", deceased March 2000. Served in U.S. Army as Major for four years stationed in Fort Huachuca, AZ and Valley Forge, PA. Bill and Pat moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1960. They had 12 children born in the years from 1955-1970. Dr. Leen served as Chief of OB/GYN at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Staten Island, NY until 1975. Bill and Pat and children moved to Boca Raton, FL in 1975. He started private practice in gynecology and was on staff at Boca Raton Community Hospital until he retired in 1997. Bill returned to Ireland annually with members of his family and instilled in all a love of the "Auld Sod". A devoted Catholic and family man, he loved social gatherings at the "mansion" with all his children, grandchildren and extended family, and was always good for a story and a pint. His Irish brogue and sense of humor endeared him to his patients, family, friends and all who knew him. He is survived by two brothers and a sister, his 12 devoted children, and their spouses, loving grandchildren, and many good friends. Bill will be cherished in our hearts forever. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is reunited with Pat in heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice By The Sea or any Catholic charity. The family will be receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Babione Funeral Home. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Boca Raton, FL followed by interment at Boca Raton Cemetery.