John H. Leamy,

GARDNER - Professor Emeritus John H. Leamy, Jr., 75, of 272 Pearl St., Gardner, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at home. He was born in Gardner, on February 3, 1933, the son of the late John H. and Florence C. (Hopkins) Leamy. Jack was a loving father and grandfather, a caring brother, a good friend and a well respected college professor. Jack graduated from Gardner High School, and received his Bachelor's Degree and his Master's Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College. Later, he attended Assumption College in Worcester and received his Master's Degree in English. He taught at Athol High School and Nashoba Regional High School and directed many plays. He was a Professor of English at Mount Wachusett Community College for 36 years, where he was frequently recognized for his excellence in teaching by students and peers. He was an adjunct professor at Raytheon for many years. An expert in Literature and Language, he was committed to the highest principles of a Liberal Arts Education. Jack taught and created many courses at Mount Wachusett Community College, including freshman English I and II, American Literature I and II, 20th Century American Authors, Nobel Prize Winning Authors and many others. He also directed several theatre productions including The Crucible and Antigone. He was voted by students as the most outstanding teacher of the year on numerous occasions which was a great source of pride for him. During his tenure at the College, he served effectively on numerous committees which significantly contributed to the development of the College and served as mentor and advisor to thousands of students who sought his career counseling advice and transfer recommendations to 4-year colleges. His dedication to the teaching profession and the mission of the Community College was unequalled, and he was highly respected by his students and colleagues. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was assigned March 5, 1953 to Fort Dix, NJ, then assigned August 3, 1953 to Fort Lewis, WA, before being stationed to Inchon, Korea, where he served with the 3rd Infantry Division in the communications section. He was discharged January 21, 1954 at Camp Kilmer, NJ. His time in the military was a defining experience and one where he established many life-long friendships. Jack was a former communicant of St. Denis Church in Ashburnham, and Holy Spirit Church in Gardner. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge of Gardner, and the Napoleon Club. Jack had a passion for literature and learning, and a great love of teaching. He was a constant reader and an eloquent writer, intrigued with words and their importance. Robert Frost was one of his favorite poets. Jack was passionate about politics and history, especially the Civil War. He loved fried biscuits, peanuts, corned beef, and ice cream. He delighted in reciting poems and effortlessly supplied his unique wit and profound thoughtfulness to any conversation--particularly with his sisters, children, and dear friends. Jack possessed an earnest compassion for others. He was generous to family, friends, and anyone he felt needed a little help. He enjoyed being on Cape Cod and relished in the beauty of biking on the Cape trails, and he instilled a love of the outdoors in all of his children. He loved a rousing Irish song, a clever joke, and rooting on his beloved Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots. His true love and pride in life were his children. He leaves three sons, Kirk B.J. Leamy of Ashburnham, Shawn G. Leamy of El Sobrante, CA, John H. Leamy III of San Francisco, CA; three daughters, Suzanne "Missy" Leamy of Gardner, Tara Leamy and Catherine Leamy, both of Bristol, RI; his former wife, Suzanne (Turcotte) Saunders of Gardner; his second former wife, Jane (Burke) Leamy of Ashburnham; one sister, Jean E. Brogan of Gardner; six grandchildren, Joshua Leamy, Patrick Leamy, Erin Leamy, Connor Leamy, Mary Catherine Leamy, Ronan Leamy. He was predeceased by his son, Kevin Gene Leamy, who died October 6, 2002; by his two sisters, Mary Bourgeois who died May 5, 2007, and Florence Boucher; and by his grandson, Finnegan Leamy. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Denis Church, 85 Main St., Ashburnham. Burial will follow in Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery of Winchendon. Calling hours will be held Monday, June 23, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the John H. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Hope, Peace, and Education, 20 Barthel Ave., Gardner, MA, 01440. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfuneralhome.com. John H. Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner, is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });