CODY SR., LEO T. of Billerica, MA, formerly of South Boston, MA, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
Leo is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Lillian A. Cody and their devoted sons Leo T. Cody, Jr, Esq. and his wife Debra of Billerica, MA, Gerard F. Cody and his wife Jane of Quincy, MA and Officer James A. Cody of South Boston, MA. He was predeceased by his son the Honorable William J. Cody, Esq. of Brockport, NY, his parents and six brothers and sisters.
Leo is also survived by his loving daughter-in-law Debra M. Cody of Brockport, NY and seven grandchildren, known to them as “Papa”; Sara Carey and her husband Matthew of Schenectady, NY, Michelle Lyons and her husband Michael of Denver, CO, Leo T. Cody III of Los Angeles, CA, Matthew Cody studying at the Mass. Maritime Academy, Grace, Liam and Jack of Quincy, MA, and many nieces and nephews.
Leo was born in South Boston on April 2, 1923. During high school, he joined Company 2142 of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Poultney, VT for seventeen months where he was able to provide monthly support for his family back home during the Great Depression. As soon as he was able, he joined his older brothers William and John in serving their country during World War II. Leo was a proud US Navy Seabee for three years in the Pacific Theater. Because he was the youngest son, his mother forbid him from joining his brothers in the US Army in Europe. He later served as the American Legion Post Commander of the Columbia Post in South Boston. His proudest military service was when he presented the first salute to his granddaughter Michelle upon her commissioning in the US Army and to his grandson Leo upon his commissioning in the US Air Force.
Leo worked as a longshoreman, bridge tender, construction foreman, painter, union shop steward, and retired as a supervisor in the Physical Plant at UMASS Boston. Retirement brought new purposes; first was helping his son Leo construct his log cabin in the White Mountains of NH and the second was to spend as much time as possible with his adoring grandchildren. Having his face and nails painted by granddaughters and watching grandsons play sports became new passions.
What kept him going these many years included complaining about the Red Sox, arguing for conservative politics, cooking quirky foods, and caring for his wife, Lillian.
Friends may call Sunday from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Casper Funeral Services located at 187 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA.
A funeral mass will be held Monday, March 27, 2017, 10:00 am at the Gate of Heaven in South Boston, MA, internment following at Blue Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Leo would be pleased if you flew our country’s flag for him in honor of a policeman, a fireman, an active duty service member or a veteran. For online guestbook casperfuneralservices.com