In Remembrance of John Leahy

It is with great sadness we share with you the passing of John Leahy (2/25/59 – 6/2/21), a long-time leader, friend, mentor and colleague in Region 1 and within our Association. He will be missed by his wife, Shelley, and son, J.J. 

John began his education at the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies, working in campus recreation. He then returned to receive his Master’s Degree in Physical Education and Sports Administration. “John was one of the first people I met at URI in 1980 when I arrived. At that time, the recreation program was very small.” says Art Tuveson, retired Assistant Athletic Director, Recreation Services at URI. “He was the main student supervisor at the time, and he was the lead official. The first day of IM’s (and my first day on the job), the ambulance was on the field four times, I pulled him aside and asked if this was normal. He said, “this is nothing, wait until you see basketball” I told him, J, this is going to change. He got so excited. Our student staff went from 20 to 120. He was really my lead guy, my lead supervisor. He was a sports nut and had the nickname of “coach” in his fraternity. He made sure that the Greek community was involved. He loved the changes and the growth. When he graduated, he really didn’t know what he wanted to do. I finally convinced him to come back and became my fifth GA and we took the program to a whole new level. He was so excited and enthusiastic about everything! Honestly, I think he would get out of class and then run to work! I remember we were in DC for a NIRSA Regional Conference. He, along with some other students in my absence, volunteered us to host the next Regional conference. John’s passing is a big loss for all of us and for the Association.” 

John went on in his career to impact thousands of lives through his work at Stonehill College from 1988 until his retirement in 2016. He was the recipient of the Region 1 Award of Merit in 2006, a product of his dedication to students and to the entire Stonehill community.  He served as the Director of Recreational Sports and the first Director of the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex. He pursued his passion further by becoming a Certified Recreational Sports Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Resistance Trainer, and was a two-time Boston Marathon finisher. John’s legacy will live on through a scholarship created in John’s name at Stonehill College.  

John was a true friend, a lover of debating, and brought joy to those around him. “John Leahy was one of kind! I have never met a person who cared so much more for others than he did himself. He took over a room whenever he entered with his large personality.” Mike Gallagher, Associate Director of Athletics for Recreational Services and Facilities at Roger Williams University. “He always liked to “hold court” whether it was poolside in a cabana or at any number of NIRSA events. We had some epic adventures along the way. I will miss my friend dearly! But will keep the memories of all the good times we had with me forever!” 

John’s impact went well beyond the students at Stonehill. “While I have plenty of good times to share, the one thing I appreciate about John—or Leahy as we all call him—is that he was always honest.” Jen Gudaz, Senior Associate Director of Athletics: Director of Physical Education and Recreational Services at Cornell University, “He was there to tell me if I did a good job, but he was also the first one to tell me that  I could have done better.  I think of him as an older brother who helped me learn many things, gave me plenty of laughs, and great pool days. We will miss you, John.” 

Bill Crockett, NIRSA Past President, MS, RCRSP, Executive Director, Student Affairs at University of Maryland, Baltimore remembers John fondly,  “I first met John in 1994.  Though I had been in NIRSA since 1990, this was the first time I got to know John. I appreciated how welcoming he was as I got to know the crew from Massachusetts. He was engaging, energetic, and passionate about campus rec and NIRSA. For many of us John Leahy was our colleague, our connector, our planner, our DJ, our movie critic, our mentor (or mentee), our host.  Most importantly our friend.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund that was created in John’s name, the John Leahy Scholarship Fund at Stonehill College, Stonehill College, Office of Development, 320 Washington Street, Easton, MA 02357-6242