John F. Leahy, Jr., a lifelong resident of Milton, died peacefully on October 3, 2021 while in the comfort of his family. John was the loving son of the late John Sr. and Mary (Gallagher) Leahy and was a graduate of Milton High School, Class of 1965. John played hockey as a Wildcat and would continue to play well into his 50’s; usually on Sundays at Ulin and around New England.

After high school, John joined the US Air Force and served in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star. Upon his return home from the war in the early 1970’s, John met and married the love of his life, Elinor. They lived in Braintree for a short time before settling in Milton. They both loved movies, photography, traveling (especially to Puerto Rico), nature, gardening, Sandy Neck Beach, and being with friends.

John was a professional freelance photographer for several years before embarking on a 25 plus year landscaping career in Milton, Boston, and surrounding areas. John became a fixture around the nursery and was well liked by all customers. His passion for landscaping was evident through his vast knowledge of plants, trees, and design.

John was a favorite to many local landscapers who needed advice on what to plant, where to plant it, when to plant, and how to maintain it. His knowledge of growing made him very popular at the Victory Gardens on Edgehill Road. He was very generous and he took great pride when sharing his latest crop with his family and friends. He truly loved growing vegetables, flowers, and all things in between.

When his children were young, John was active in their activities. Later in life, when Elinor was diagnosed with cancer, he was her right-hand man, always getting her to her appointments on time and being her advocate. John could be considered cantankerous by those who knew him, but underneath it all he was a spirited, sociable, caring, loving, and fair person who loved his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.

John was the loving husband of the late Elinor M. (Brickley) Leahy and devoted father of Nicholas J. Leahy and his wife Valerie of Byfield, Julia K. Leahy and her fiancé Craig J. Siano of Wilbraham, and Andrew E. Leahy and Lizabeth J. Maclennan of Milton. Proud “Papa John” of Elinor, Iris, and Andrew Jr. Brother of Suzanne Woodward of Hyannis, Robert Leahy and his wife Susannah of NH, Joseph Leahy and his wife Margaret of NH, and the late Edward Leahy. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave. EAST MILTON, Wednesday, October 6th, from 4-8pm. A funeral home service will be held on Thursday at 11am. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to either the Vietnam Veterans of America https://vva.org/ or Dana Farber Cancer Institute https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2100&mfc_pref=T&2100.donation=form1 in memory of John and Elinor.