Obituary of Edward T. Leahy, Jr.

Edward T. Leahy, Jr. January 29, 1941 - November 22, 2024 Edward T. Leahy, Jr. of Yardley, PA, devoted husband and father, passed away in the loving comfort of his family on November 22, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of treasured memories, generosity and much laughter. Only child of Winifred (Gillespie) and Edward (Dick) Leahy, Ed was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory High School and St. Joseph's College earning a B.A. in Economics. Ed played football for The Prep and rowed for both his high school and college teams. He received his M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. Ed's career included working for the National Security Agency and later, the investment department of Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance Company. For several years, he headed the mid-Atlantic wholesale company, Edward T. Leahy, Inc. begun in the early 1950's by his father. Ed's knowledge of the financial markets led him to a seat on the New York Futures Exchange. Before his retirement, he was a consultant for a management company in NJ. Ed felt his greatest accomplishment was to educate his beloved daughters. He was Penn State Proud to see them both graduate with distinction and set upon solid career paths. He treasured every moment with "his girls," especially Sunday drives and dinners out. He encouraged independence and self-reliance; taught them to value honesty, devotion to family, and belief in the greater good. Married for 54 years, Ed cherished his family and friends and delighted in every opportunity to make them laugh. He especially enjoyed engaging in conversations with young people and hearing their ideas for the future. A man of few words, but profound insight and rib-cracking humor, Ed read widely -- and in depth -- always seeking a greater understanding of our universe and our humanity. He will be forever missed by his loving wife Gayle (Rickey), his daughters Molly (Jim Schindler) and Betsy, and by his dear friends. A commemoration service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00am at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00am to 11:00am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Ed's family kindly requests donations to either St. Joe's Prep Class of '58 Men for Others Fund (1733 W. Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19130) or Chandler Hall Hospice (99 Barclay Street Newtown, PA 18940). Arrangements are under the care of the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.