Michael E. Leahy 1954 - 2007

Michael had four older brothers and I was the oldest of three and in those days our two families joined together for holidays and regular weekend get-togethers. It was great adventure when we went off to visit with our Leahy cousins in Neponset, not always pleasant but usually educational. Like the time I foolishly tried on a pair of boxing gloves and quickly found I had several eager volunteers to demonstrate their use. Like many fleeting aspects of life, I have come to realize the significance of these years and recognize what a precious time it was.

Michael was born on January 15, 1954 which would have made him six months old when my father Frank, brother to Michael’s mother, Bridie, passed away at 43. And while I didn’t realize it at the time, Frank’s death would also mark a fork in the road, after which, our gang of eight would cease to be. Oh, we would see each other at the requisite family affairs like weddings and funerals, but we all were busy getting on with our lives to worry about the days of May Processions and Easter dinners. Fortunately for all of us, the blood bond has managed to endure, even in the face of our demanding lives.

As the years continued to pass, my brothers and I moved around to places where a family get together involved one or more airline flights. Our address books were always kept in pencil to accommodate the frequent changes. Erase Atlanta and write in New York or San Diego or even Atlanta and New York, once again.

The brothers Leahy followed a different path. Except for Denis, who God called home at a much-too-young age, they settled in, and near, St. Ann’s parish and raised families according to the values they learned at their parent’s knees, each in his own way helping to make their home town a better place. I admire their demonstrated commitment to their roots. It was in this tradition that Michael, his wife Pat and their two sons, Denis and Conor, made their home in the house on Port Norfolk Street that had been originally purchased by his parents. This was the house where so many of our family get togethers took place and it fills a warm niche in my memories.

Yesterday, Father Tom Foley celebrated Mike’s funeral mass and spoke of Mike's large heart and solid family values. For those few who didn't know Mike, I invite you to read the article that appeared in yesterday's Boston Globe or the vivid remembrance in the Dorchester Reporter written by his niece, Ann Mc Gough. Father Tom also talked about the importance of families and all those who have gone before us. I found myself remembering those days when we all piled into my father's car for a Sunday excursion. I remember how good it felt, blessedly ignorant of knowing how brief that time would be.

Yesterday, St. Ann’s was packed with mourners and our collective hearts went out to Mike’s wife Patricia and his two son’s, Conor and Dennis. All of the brothers, Mike’s and mine, know the pain of losing one’s father. And while there is little that can be done to shield them from their grief, I pray that the love and solidity of their extended family will help them bear their tragic loss.

Michael Leahy, R.I.P.