William E. Leahy

William E. Leahy, 82, of Galesburg, died at 1:55 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025, at his home.

Bill was the 8th out of 10 children born to John Francis and Ruth E. (Thorne) Leahy on December 16, 1942, in Galesburg. Growing up, he attended St. Joseph Academy and graduated from Corpus Christi High School. Bill also had achieved four years of an electrician apprenticeship and was a journeyman electrician for 39 years. He was known to be very particular at his craft. Bill married Virginia L. Berkey on June 10, 1961, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg. Together they had five children.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 63 years, Virginia Leahy of Galesburg; one daughter, Lora Lee (Mike) Wright of Galesburg; three sons: Billy (Roxie) Leahy of Alexis, Illinois, Dave (Victoria) Leahy of Delaware, Ohio, and Steve Leahy of Peoria, Illinois; five grandchildren: Mike Powell of Galesburg, Lindsey (Jon) Danielson of Galesburg, Tyler (Megan) Leahy of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Zachary (Kelsey) Leahy of Galesburg, and Lauren Leahy of Columbus, Ohio; and three great grandchildren: Leo and Lyla June Danielson, both of Galesburg, and Isla Lee Weisman of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by one sister, Joanie Darneille of Springfield, Illinois; and two brothers: J. Michael (Lin) Leahy and Danny (Pippi) Leahy, both of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Linda Sue Leahy; three brothers: Edwin, Richard, and P. James Leahy; and three sisters: Mary Vallero, Patricia Hedden, and Jane Elizabeth Snider Alters.

Bill was a devout catholic and member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He was also a member of SPEBSQSA (now called Barbershop Harmony Society), the IBEW, and of Father JO Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 3rd Degree. Bill had an extreme fascination for Harley sportsters and single cab black Chevy Silverado’s.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Galesburg. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Galesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Costa Catholic Academy.