Leslie, Edward J. of Quincy and Oceanside, CA, passed away January 20, 2012.
Devoted husband of the late Emily M. (Bailer) Leslie. Beloved father of Eric J. Leslie and his wife Michelle of Carlsbad, CA, Dana F. Leslie and his wife Brenda of Winchester, CA, Todd E. Leslie and his wife Dianne of Quincy and the late Debra A. Leslie. Loving brother of Alice Foody of FL. Also lovingly survived by his grandchildren, great grandchild, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Edward was a strong, resilient and compassionate man who always possessed an optimistic attitude about everything in his life. His family meant the world to him and he possessed a strong faith. He attained his Eagle Scout designation as a 9th grader and later entered the Merchant Marine, before entering the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He became blind due to a service related accident, but this only made him work harder. He enjoyed bowling, swimming, walking and reading. Baseball was one of his favorite sports and he was an avid Red Sox fan, while also enjoying the New England Patriots. After receiving his degrees from Boston College, Cornell’s Industrial School of Labor Relations and Boston University he became an x-ray technician at Quincy City Hospital. He was able to accomplish many things in his life, but one of the greatest things he did was to help others who were also blind. Edward was a Rehabilitation Counselor for the Massachusetts Commission of the Blind, for over 20 years, and was able to help countless people navigate the challenges that blind people face in their everyday lives. He was an inspiration to his family and friends and a shining example of how we should all lead our lives in the service of others.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Friday 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 11:45 AM, Saturday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Quincy at 12:30 PM.
Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edward may be made to Perkins School for the Blind, Perkins Trust Office, 175 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or the Meals-on-Wheels Greater San Diego, 2254 San Diego Ave., Ste. 200, San Diego, CA 92110.