William F. Leahy

William “Bill” Leahy left his earthly body on Wednesday, August 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Holyoke, son of the late James F. Leahy and Margaret M. (McCormick) Leahy. Bill attended Holyoke High School and left shortly before his graduation in 1975 to join the United States Army. He was stationed in Augsburg, Germany, with his wife and daughter until his honorable discharge in 1978. Bill retired in 2000 from Somers State Maximum Prison in Connecticut after “doNtime2” as a Correctional Officer for 20 years, where he also served as president of the Union, fighting hard for his fellow comrades. Bill’s greatest accomplishment was being the person that he was: a loving father to his three daughters, Stephanie Lussier of Westfield, Danielle Leahy of Brooklyn, and Krista Leahy of Brooklyn; a devoted gramps to his two grandchildren, Charlotte Stephanie Lussier and Rowan William Lussier, both of Westfield; and a caring ex-husband to Erica Leahy of Holyoke, who, despite being divorced from, was truly his life partner until the end. He was also a giving and supportive brother to his siblings: Jimmy Leahy and his wife Linda of Westfield, Patti Jennings of Holyoke, Peggy Vershon and her husband Peter of Chicopee, Joey Leahy and his wife Juanita of California, and his brother and best friend, Tommy Leahy who is in heaven; a fun-loving uncle “knucklehead” to his nieces and nephews; and an amazing friend to many who he remained close with since childhood, his “brothers” from the prison, and two best friends, Henner (Pat Hennessey) and Bong (Mike Bongiovanni) who left him too soon.

Perhaps a bit gruff in his demeanor, Bill was a man with strong integrity, and was a generous human being who gave so much love and support to the ones he loved. Though so many tried to give back to him, he would never let them; knowing he helped you was all that he needed. He was humble, and no one will ever truly know just how much he gave because that was always kept secret between him, the giver, and the recipient of his gifts. Bill was always fighting for the underdog, even if it was just for the Charlie Brown Christmas tree that he would bring home every year only to be decorated with ornaments handmade by his daughters, nieces, and nephews.

Billy’s family and friends are eternally grateful for the team at Holyoke Hospital, especially Rosy Benetiz, who was there when Billy arrived in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, and to the doctors and nurses at Baystate Heart and Vascular Center who cared for Billy and showed such compassion to him and his family.

Calling hours will be held at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, on Tuesday August 22, 2023, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, please continue Bill’s generosity and consider making a donation to Willpower Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1244 Northampton, MA 01061-1244 or via http://willpowerfoundation.org/.

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