John Patrick Leahy

John Patrick Leahy was born October 8, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska to James and Margaret (Sellhorst) Leahy. A healthy baby boy, John was deaf from birth and this would set the direction of his life. He attended the Nebraska School for the Deaf where he formed many friendships, some of which continued until his death, as the school became his second home. John's mother, Margaret, took John to school on Sunday evenings and picked him up every Friday after school to be with his family. Life changed drastically for John and his two brothers when their mother passed away suddenly when he was fourteen years old. By the time he was sixteen, with his older brother serving our country in the Navy, and his younger brother being raised by grandparents, John set out on his life's voyage. Alone, but with a determination to succeed and a strong, independent spirit, John began his adult life. He did auto body work and other jobs before starting his own house painting and remodeling business. He also was adept at furniture re-finishing. His independence took him on many travel adventures across this country. He had great fun traveling with his friends. John was a fan of Nebraska football, enjoyed a cold Budweiser, and Jackie Chan movies, and had a passion for watching WWE wrestling three times a week. He loved to go to his regular bars to play Keno, and talk to his friends (the regulars), and he loved to crack jokes. He was very funny. When he was 19 years old, John met Mary Sharon Moffatt and formed a friendship that lasted 47 years. John was in the hospital with Mary for the birth of all 5 of her children: John, Anne, Roger, Roland, and Andrea. He never missed a birthday or holiday with the Moffatt family, and this Thanksgiving will not be the same for them, without him. He would always tattle on Mary to the kids, which they liked. The kids remember going with John to sell his sign language cards, and they had fun doing that with him. He was an excellent listener, and the kids confided in him often. He had a passion for teaching the kids sign language, and he would hold the door open for any of them. "Love you too" were the last words John said to Andrea and Anne Moffatt before he left us. What a great memory. A special thanks to this family for welcoming him into their lives. John loved his brothers and sisters of the deaf community and he enjoyed visiting all of them. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his lifelong friend, Ricky Riley. What a great gift you were to John. We've loved and supported him for as long as we've known him and will miss him. John died Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at the Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 67 years, 1 month, and 11 days. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Margaret Leahy, sister-in-law Kathleen Leahy, and nephews Patrick and Aaron Leahy. John is survived by his brothers Jim Leahy of Urbandale, Iowa, and Jerry (Linda) Leahy of Omaha, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very special adopted family of Mary Sharon Moffatt, and his lifelong friend, Ricky Riley. John P. Leahy October 8, 1946-November 19, 2013 Attended Nebraska School for the Deaf. Preceded in death by parents James and Margaret Leahy, sister-in-law Kathleen Leahy, and nephews Patrick and Aaron Leahy. Survived by brothers Jim Leahy of Urbandale, Iowa, and Jerry (Linda) Leahy of Omaha, nieces and nephews. Also survived by his very special adopted family of Mary Sharon Moffatt, and lifelong friend, Ricky Riley. Funeral service 11 AM Friday with visitation one hour prior to service time at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Memorials to the Josie Harper Hospice House.

John Patrick Leahy

October 8, 1946 - November 19, 2013