To live stream the Funeral Mass, go to https://www.harborview.live.
Leo J. McCormack, Sr. of West Roxbury, passed away on January 11, 2026. Beloved husband of Claire (Hoban) McCormack. Devoted father of Leo J. McCormack, Jr., Daniel C. McCormack (Sarah), Peter S. McCormack (Ruth), Maryann Facciolo (Frank), and John J. McCormack. Dear brother of A. Elaine Gibbons and Paul F. McCormack. Loving grandfather of Caroline and Elizabeth McCormack and Isabella Facciolo.
Leo was the son of the late Daniel and Edna Agnes McCormack and spent most of his early years in Hyde Park. He was a Korea-era veteran of the US Army, stationed in Hawaii. Following his service, he received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts –Boston. During his 40-year career he taught at East Boston High School, Boston Latin School, South Boston High School and Jamaica Plain High School. Through most of his career he taught history and prepared upper-level students for the Advanced Placement European History examination. He retired in 1999 after 16 years on the Latin faculty. Following his retirement, he served as a proctor for examinations at Harvard Law School.
Leo and his beloved wife Claire shared 65 years of marriage, 62 of which were spent in West Roxbury, where they built and nurtured their family. The couple faithfully and enthusiastically supported their children’s activities, from marching band events and concert recitals to soccer games and long distance road races. Following their retirements, the couple traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. For many years the coast of Maine was a favorite vacation destination.
A lifelong reader, Leo always had a book close at hand. He had a particular interest in the history of Europe and the Arab world, as well as the field of communications. His love of cinema began at the Fairmount Theatre in Hyde Park and continued throughout his life, including also several years teaching film studies at Massachusetts Bay Community College in Wellesley.
Leo was an avid golfer. His love of the game began close to home at the George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park where he started as a caddy. He enjoyed many rounds at the course for decades with friends and enjoyed teaching the game to his children and competing with his sons and son-in-law.
A faithful parishioner and active member of St. Theresa’s Parish in West Roxbury, Leo was a member of the parish’s St. Vincent De Paul Society, assisted numerous couples preparing for marriage, and served as a Eucharistic Minister.
Funeral from the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Wednesday, January 21st at 10:00am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Theresa of Avila Church at 11:00am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment Mt. Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury.
Visiting Hours Tuesday, January 20th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm in the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Leo may be made to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, PO Box 961500, Boston, MA 02109 https://nechv.org/ or the St. Theresa’s St. Vincent De Paul Society, c/o ST. Theresa’s SVDP, 10 St. Theresa Ave., West Roxbury, MA 02132.