William "Bill" Leydon

Passed away peacefully at his own home on August 25, 2024, surrounded by his family. He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. 

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years Maureen (Sweeney) Leydon, his son Michael Leydon of whom he was so very proud, his daughter-in-law LeeMarie Kennedy whom he cherished, and his two grandsons Jack and Charlie, who absolutely lit up his life. He is predeceased by his stillborn sons Kevin and Liam.

Son of the late John and Rose (Shepard) Leydon.

Loving brother of Fran Leydon, Jack and his late wife Aurora, Bob and his wife Carole, Therese Campbell and her late husband Jack, the late Mary Ploughman and her husband Chuck, and Eddie Leydon and his wife Mary.

Brother-in-law of John and his wife Kathleen Sweeney, Linda Sweeney and her late husband Jerry, and Patricia Sweeney and her late husband Denis.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who all loved their Uncle Bill, and the late Ted Leydon, Joe Leydon, and John Patrick Sweeney.

Bill was born in Somerville, Massachusetts and became a proud longtime resident of Dorchester upon his marriage. He graduated from University of Massachusetts and Simmons College with a degree in Library Science. Bill worked as a librarian at the Boston Police Academy, The Library at Logan International Airport, AVCO Everett Research Labs, and as the Assistant Director of the Hingham Public Library. He was also a sales representative for the New England Mobile Book Fair. 

Bill was a talented poet whose work was published in several anthologies, as well as his own collections. He was quietly pleased to be offered a fellowship to the prestigious MacDowell Artist Colony. Bill celebrated or despaired depending on the Boston Red Sox standings, he was an avid movie buff, and he enjoyed travel until his health declined. In later years, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were a nightly ritual where Bill celebrated the participants wins like they were his own. Bill loved people, dogs, and birds and they all were better for his kind attention. 

Family and friends will honor and remember Bill’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Ave., DORCHESTER, on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, Smile Train, the Pine Street Inn, or Cops For Kids With Cancer.

From Bill’s Sunset to Sunrise Poems “…we celebrate those who have gone before, making smooth our paths. We are in sorrow for their passing, but know we will see them shortly; we will triumph over death and be happy once again.”