Michael Richard Leahy, age 66, of 84 Broadway, Saranac Lake, died of complications from ALS on Thursday, January 02, 2014 at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY.
Born in Saranac Lake on September 12, 1947, he was the son of Ronald and Elaine (Talbert) Leahy. Michael married Becky Law on October 3, 1970 at St. Bernard’s Church.
Mike graduated from Norwich University in 1971; he later earned his MBA from Clarkson University in 1985. In 1973 he went to work at Paul Smiths College as an accounting professor, becoming Director of Financial Aid, Registrar and then Dean of Students. In 1985 he began his 27-year career teaching, guiding, and mentoring students in accounting and business administration courses at North Country Community College. He was a former member of the Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol, served on the Saranac Lake Central School Board for 5 years, served on the Harrietstown Planning Board, and volunteered for the Special Olympics. He also coached basketball and soccer at Paul Smiths College. Mike enjoyed sharing his passions for boating, water and snow skiing with his family and spending time with his loyal dog Mollie.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Becky Leahy, his precious daughter Alison Mae Leahy of Saranac Lake, his adored son Jimmy, daughter-in-law Sarah, and amazing 9-month old grandson Michael Joseph of Lancaster, NY. Michael is also survived by his mother Elaine Leahy, brother Paul and sister-in-law Eileen Leahy of Saranac Lake. He also leaves behind several brother and sister-in-laws including Jay and Donna Law, Virginia Shelhamer, John and Pat Law, and Patricia and Geoff Harrington, all of Saranac Lake; Rod and Marci Law of Sanibel, FL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Ronald Leahy, two uncles Alan Leahy and Richard Talbert, his brother-in-law Richard Shelhamer, his sister-in-law Mary Ellen Law, and his mother-in-law Helen Law.
Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Monday, January 6, 2014 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at St. Bernard's Church, with Rev. Mark Reilly officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Saranac Lake.
Friends wishing to remember Michael Leahy may make memorial contributions to St. Bernard's School or The ALS Association Upstate NY Chapter in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.