John J. Leavitt 77, of Natick died unexpectedly Monday, January 31, 2011 at his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Anna (Sciretta) Leavitt who died 2006.
Born in Natick and a lifelong resident he was the son of the late Howard and Ruth (Hannon) Leavitt.
Mr. Leavitt was a teacher in the Natick School System for 43 years retiring in 2003.
He began teaching at the Eliot School in South Natick, then taught and was Acting Principal at the former Center School in downtown Natick and finished his teaching career at the Kennedy Middle School. Completely dedicated to his profession; he truly looked forward every day to the challenge of improving the lives of his students.
He was an avid gardener and generously shared his prized vegetables with family and friends. One particularly good year he displayed at Tilly's Bacon Street Farm a pumpkin he had grown that weighed over 250 lbs.
He was a member of the Natick Elks, the National Rifle Association, an Associate member of the Natick Sons of Italy Club, and the Natick Republican Committee.
Mr. Leavitt was a graduate of Boston University where he received his B.S. and Masters Degree in Education.
He attended the Natick School system graduated from Natick High School in 1951 where he excelled as a "southpaw" pitcher on the baseball team and earned a tryout with the Boston Red Sox and during the tryout pitched to Ted Williams.
Mr. Leavitt was very patriotic, loved his country and flag and proudly served as Captain in the United States Army.
The most important part in all of his of life was his family, especially his grandchildren who he cherished.
He is survived by three daughters, Joan R. Leavitt-Brooks of Natick, Jane R. Bache of Wayland and her children Daniel J. Bache, Emily R. Bache, Kathleen A. Morris of Natick and her children Sarah A. Morris and Julie M. Morris, one son Mark W. Leavitt of Medway, one brother Brad C. Leavitt of Natick, and one sister Mary R. Leavitt of Natick and his dear friend Ted Kolow.
He was also the brother of the late Howard F. Leavitt and Gilda Bezanson.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Saturday February 5, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. in the Chapel of the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common.
Visiting hours are Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association 20 Speen Street Framingham MA 01701.