Jay D. Leach

Jay D. Leach of Bridgewater passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 7th, 2025. He was 85 years old. Jay was born in Brockton and was an 11th generation resident of Bridgewater. He graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1958 and attended Wentworth Institute of Technology for 2 years.

He began his long and successful career in construction as a carpenter. For those who knew Jay, he was dedicated to every job he worked on. Jay worked his way up through the industry to become an estimator, project manager, and later served as the Vice President of Pagani Brothers Construction. Following this, he worked for Peabody Construction in Braintree and ended his career doing private estimating for local companies in Bridgewater, where he was involved in the construction of several local buildings. Jay's involvement included building committee membership in the Bridgewater Library, Town Hall Renovation, the new High School. Jay also served the town as the Water and Sewer Superintendent for many years. Jay officially retired at age 78.

Jay enjoyed 58 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Diana (Copeland). Together they grew up as neighbors and later married on January 8th, 1967. When he wasn't working, Jay enjoyed shooting sports and going for walks in the woods while on hunting trips with friends in Maine and Nova Scotia. His love of the outdoors was a cornerstone in his efforts to tend the family farm as he grew up and helping his father manage Leach's Grove on Rt 18. Jay was happiest with a chainsaw in hand and tending a bon fire. Jay was a longstanding member of the Bridgewater's Lions Club. Jay never knew a stranger and always looked to help his fellow citizens. Above all, he adored spending time with family and friends.

Jay is predeceased by his parents, James H. Leach and Barbara (Small). He is survived by his loving wife, Diana Leach of Bridgewater. Cherished father of Arthur Leach and his wife Elizabeth of Bridgewater, Colonel Richard Leach and his wife Lannie of Knoxville, Maryland, and Alyce Panasuk and her husband Robbi of Bridgewater. Doting grandfather of Cole Leach and his wife Jacki, Ryan Leach, Cassandra Leach, Ronan Leach, Bailey Leach, Noah Leach, Nathan Leach, and Grace Panasuk. Beloved brother of David Leach of Lemont, IL. Sister-in-laws Marie Benoit of Bridgewater and Debroah Copeland-Bryant and husband John of South Carolina. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 98 Bedford Street, Bridgewater, MA 02324 from 10 AM - 12 PM. A service will begin in the funeral home at 12 PM. Burial to follow at Mt. Prospect Cemetery in Bridgewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley St, West Bridgewater, MA 02379