Jody Leverich Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Jones Funeral Home - Jacksonville on Jun. 23, 2025.
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Jody Leverich, 53, passed away on June 19th surrounded by family at home. Services to honor Jody's life will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Born on July 20th, 1971, to mother and father Sue Butler and Raymond Leverich in Peekskill New York; Jody Leverich's life began.
Jody's life was defined by service, love and adventure. After graduating high school, he joined the army although he was only with them for a few years before being medically discharged, he turned that dedication to service towards a 20-year long career with the Somers New York fire department. Jody Leverich worked his way up from EMS, to becoming a firefighter, to eventually become chief of the fire department.
In addition to his time in the fire service, he spent 17 years as a Corrections Officer at a nearby juvenile facility; Lincoln Hall.
Later, Jody found his passion and became a fire inspector for five years in Port Chester, New York. In 2019, we packed up and took the trek down to North Carolina and settled down in Onslow County. During this time, Jody took on the role of fire inspector in Onslow County. He became a member of the Rhodestown Fire Department for 2 years before finally retiring from the fire service all together.
Jody's personal life was rich and fulfilling. He married the love of his life, Melanie, in 2008, and in 2010 they would both welcome their daughter, Abby, into the world. In 2004, he stepped up and took on the challenge of becoming a father to Anthony. At the time Anthony was 4 years old, now currently 24 years old, he became the only father he ever needed. It took a lot of time for Anthony to call Jody father and now it's an honor to call him father. He taught Anthony how to fish, how to set up a tent, how to shave, and so much more. These are the things Anthony will carry with him and one day teach his own kids, just like Jody did.
Jody was an adventurer at heart. From riding motorcycles to hunting and fishing, he had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found joy in sharing these passions with those he adored. As much as Jody loved the outdoors, he loved being inside too. Jody could always be found watching Star Wars or Stargate.
Jody was very proud of the house his family built together the past five years. He was known for his selflessness and kindness. He was a family man who put everyone before himself, whether it was through his work, his love for his family, or his dedication to his community. He touched countless lives and will leave behind a legacy of love and service.
Jody is survived by his wife, Melanie; children, Anthony and Abygail Leverich; Father, Raymond; Aunt, Jane Maurice and Mary Batchelder; Sister, Tara Leverich; niece Jenna Leverich and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and especially, the friends he has made from New York all the way to North Carolina; and his pets, Zoey, Bo and Oreo.
Jody will be deeply missed. He was an amazing father, husband, and son. He touched everyone's hearts around him. He will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, we would request donations be made to Tunnel to Towers foundation.
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