William "Bill" Francis Leahy Jr

William "Bill" Francis Leahy, Jr, beloved husband, of 42 years of Louise (Beaudette) Leahy,
passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at the age of 66 surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born in Holyoke, MA, son of William and May (Nichols) Leahy, he was a graduate of Chicopee High School and was a lifelong resident of Chicopee. After 40+ years as a professional machinist, he found a new passion in life teaching the next generation and made lasting friendships at Asnuntuck Community College. Bill enjoyed many outdoor activities, but his true passions were hunting and fishing. He served as President of the Pioneer Valley Bass Anglers fishing club in Chicopee for over twenty years and was a long-standing member of the Swift River Sportsman Club in Belchertown. Bill was a devout parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Chicopee and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 4044 in Chicopee. Bill lived and taught with the guiding principles that safety always comes first, and that everyone be conscientious and willing to do the right thing, no matter the difficulty. He lived life to the fullest and never believed in giving up or quitting on anyone or anything. He instilled this philosophy in those around him and would not hesitate to help a stranger in need. Bill leaves behind his loving wife Louise and children, Erin Leahy and her partner, Bruce Cierpial, Wendy Lengieza and her husband, Jesse all of Chicopee, and William F. Leahy, Ill and his wife Elizabeth of Belchertown, four cherished grandchildren, Alex, Kaylee, Olivia and Rebekah Leahy, sisters, Laura Scribner of South Hadley, and Donna Surprenant of Chicopee. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Muriel Hunter formerly of South Hadley. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, June 3 for calling hours for Bill from 4-7 p.m. at Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee St., Chicopee. His funeral will be held on Saturday, June 4, beginning at 9 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 56 St. Anthony St., Chicopee. Burial will follow immediately after the Mass at St. Rose De Lima Cemetery in Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s name may be made to Shriners Children's New England, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. For online condolences please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com .