Anthony H. "Tony" Lea, 72

Northbridge - Anthony H. Lea of Northbridge, MA passed at home Wednesday, April 22nd surrounded by family after a too-brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born January 2, 1948 in Birmingham, England to Anthony Lea and Bridgette (Lavelle) Lea,

He leaves his wife of 21 years, Paula Lea and loving friends and family that include his older brother David Lea and wife Rose, his niece, Cordelia and nephew Tristan. He leaves a younger brother, Nigel Lea, his wife, Lois, and their children, Ingrid and Eric. He leaves two sons, Jeffrey Lea of Medfield and his partner, Susie Masters and Alex Lea and his wife Erika of Worcester and their children Luke and Danielle. He leaves three step-daughters, Kerry Leva Hermann and her husband Chris of Los Angeles, CA; Sarah Leva of Salem, MA, and Maria Leva of Worcester.

Tony immigrated to Long Island, NY from England via Canada became a naturalized U.S. Citizen in 1963, and is a graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, NY, and Holy Cross College and Assumption College in Worcester.

In 1974, Tony began his life-long career in teaching at Uxbridge High School where he taught English and coached girls' field hockey for many years. In 1987, he left the Uxbridge to become Department Chair of Social Studies at Algonquin Regional High School, and, in 2001, joined the Hudson High School staff as a Vice Principal. From 2002 until his retirement in 2006, he served as staff Vice Principal at Holliston High School.

After his retirement from full-time employ, he continued to serve students and the community as a substitute teacher at Westborough Public School System and as an adjunct professor at Assumption College in Worcester until 2019.

Well known as a personable conversationalist and humorous storyteller, Tony pursued a variety of interests. He was an avid reader of nonfiction and daily news, and took an active interest local and national politics, participating in a variety of local, state, and federal campaigns. He participated in Revolutionary War re-enactments, often sewing many of the outfits that he wore. He loved music, played piano, the fiddle, guitar and bagpipes, and always had a project in the works, be it home renovation, woodworking, repairing antique clocks, and beekeeping.

Per his wishes, Tony will be cremated and a memorial service for friends, family and associates will be scheduled through Roney Funeral Home in North Grafton, MA and announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Tony and his family suggest a donation via check made out to Salmon VNA and Hospice Attention: Anne Luippold, Hospice Director, at 37 Birch Street Milford, MA 01757. Please mention that it is in memory of Tony Lea.

A Book of Memories to share a favorite story or special message is available online at:

www.RoneyFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Apr. 23 to Apr. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Lea

Sponsored by Roney Funeral Home North Chapel.

17 Entries

Steve Goldman

May 19, 2020

Shocked when I heard the news! Tony was one of the first people I met when I started at Algonquin. I will never forget how kind and welcoming he was to me. He made me feel like I was part of the team instantly. He always had a good story to tell, was engaging and funny. The world is a little emptier today. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lee-Marie Fadavi

May 3, 2020

Dear Paula, and family,
I was so sad to hear of Tony's passing. He was a kind man, with an infectious smile. He will be missed.

Juan Flores

May 3, 2020

Paula & Family, Im so sad and sorry to hear of Tony's passing. My deepest condolences for you and your family.

April 30, 2020

Mr. Lea was by far the best teacher I had in high school. He was very supportive and kind. He will be missed.
Deborah Trottier Curran

John and Diana Grupposo

April 29, 2020

Paula and family,

So sorry to hear about Tony. A man who truly loved and embraced life and people. May his memory and legacy live on forever

Diane DeSantis

April 28, 2020

I'm so sorry Paula to hear of Tony's passing. I will remember him fondly from our teaching experiences at Algonquin and also later as a fellow retiree. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

April 28, 2020

Tony and I met as fellow English majors at Holy Cross and became friends. Life took us in different directions, but I'll always remember him fondly. My sympathies to his family.

Just looking at the background of Tony's photo. Dr. Ken Happe, the teacher of our required freshman year "Classics in Translation" course, who has also left us too soon, would have been proud, and I wonder if Tony was thinking of him at the time the photo was taken.

Myles Tillotson

Christina (Wilson) Smith

April 28, 2020

My deepest condolences to you and your family, Paula. Tony was an integral part of my development as a teacher. He encouraged me to take risks and supported me in efforts to make change. John Barry and I often talk about Tony and his yellow legal pad. When we saw that, we knew he was coming to help us grow. He was always pushing us to be our best. He, and you, will always hold a special place in my heart.

Kathy Bucchino

April 25, 2020

Mr Lea was my English teacher at Uxbridge High. He knew I had a tough time in class with paying attention, so whenever I had him which was twice in my high school career, he would put me in the front row center seat right in front of his desk. He called me Katie, I would say my name is Kathy or Kathleen and he would say in my class it is Katie. Do you know miss Goff why you are in the front row center seat, and I would laugh and say no Mr Lea why. He would say because your naught Katie and all naughty Katies need to have an eye kept on them... lol I loved Mr Lea, he was a great teacher and recognized I had a tough time in school. May he Rest In Peace, and may his family find peace in his passing.

John Barry

April 25, 2020

Teaching is one hell of a hard job if you are dedicated to doing it right. And Tony wanted to do it right and he made it look easy. I have been teaching for 28 years and if I am at all good at it, I have Tony Lea to thank for it. He was my mentor and friend. He expected more and more from his teachers at Algonquin. He smart, prepared, thoughtful and professional. Every school he ever walked into became a better place to learn and grow. My deepest sympathies to my good friend, Paula. A hug from distance.

Chazz Lynch

April 24, 2020

Please accept my sincere condolences. I took Mr. Lea's class in Non-Western Cultures at Uxbridge High in '76 or '77. I remember him conducting exercises in "Values Clarification." It was risky and brave for a young teacher in such a conservative town to be using such material. Mr. Lea was inspirational. I see that he inspired many students over the years. May he rest in peace.

adam polletta

April 24, 2020

I worked with Tony when he was a condominium board trustee. Wonderful man to be around and work alongside.

Stephen Foley

April 24, 2020

Paula- we only wish we had more time to get to know Tony. What a wonderful background he had and i would have shared many stories with him
I am so glad that Judy and I got to spend a lovely Saturday at Tanglewood and a Sunday afternoon enjoying the BSO brass section at Jacks. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Stephen and Judy