Michael J. Leech
November 18, 1930 ~ March 31, 2021
Michael J. Leech, age 90, of Reston, Virginia, passed away on March 31, 2021, at Reston Hospital in the embrace of his wife, Pamela, and his daughter, Michele.
Michael was born in Kinvara, County Galway, Ireland as the 4th born, 2nd son to Michael and Mary Kate Leech. In fine Irish tradition, Michael enjoyed the gift of family , sharing life ultimately with 5 sisters : Philomena, Hilda, Catherine, Martha and Gertie and 5 brothers: Thomas, Patrick, Vincent, Bernard and Desmond.
As a natural raconteur, Michael entered a sales career as a Manufacturers’ Representative for Jostens, Recognition Division, eventually settling in Philadelphia with Mary Margaret McNally, a union that graced him with a daughter, Michele, whom he adored.
A marriage to Pamela Corrigan in April, 1994 gave voice to a great love story – best expressed from beginning to end – by Michael himself: “I love you and I am in love with you.”
Since one of the proudest moments of Michael’s life was becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States, his “retirement” career in National Security gave great expression to his passionate patriotism. This youthful, spirited attitude garnered lifelong friendships with team members decades his junior.
Michael’s enthusiasm to always improve and transform his life was well realized in his total commitment and support of the Stepping Stones Men’s Group, providing a road map in his journey to his 90th year.
It has been said people come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime. Michael loved people dropping in for a cup of Irish tea, a chat or some gentle wisdom. No one who entered failed to leave without a sense of interaction with a man who really cared about them.
While we have so much to say about Michael, perhaps for now, the following poem will capture his essence:
WHAT SHALL I SAY ABOUT THE IRISH
The utterly impractical, never predictable
Something irascible, quite inexplicable Irish.
Strange blend of shyness, pride and conceit,
And stubborn refusal to bow in defeat.
He’s spoiling and ready to argue and fight,
Yet the smile of a child fills his soul with delight,
His eyes are the quickest to well up in tears,
Yet his strength is the strongest to banish your fears.
His faith is as fierce as his devotion is grand,
And there’s no middle ground on which he will stand.
He’s wild and he’s gentle.
He’s good and he’s bad.
He’s proud and he’s humble.
He’s happy and he’s sad.
He’s in love with the ocean, the earth and the skies.
He’s enamored with beauty wherever it lies.
He’s victor and victim, a star and a clod,
But mostly he’s Irish in love with his God.
A Celebratory Funeral Mass will be conducted at Christ The Redeemer Catholic Church, 46833 Harry Byrd Highway, Sterling, VA 20164 on Monday, May 24, 2021, at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org/donation.
Michael was born in Kinvara, County Galway, Ireland as the 4th born, 2nd son to Michael and Mary Kate Leech. In fine Irish tradition, Michael enjoyed the gift of family , sharing life ultimately with 5 sisters : Philomena, Hilda, Catherine, Martha and Gertie and 5 brothers: Thomas, Patrick, Vincent, Bernard and Desmond.
As a natural raconteur, Michael entered a sales career as a Manufacturers’ Representative for Jostens, Recognition Division, eventually settling in Philadelphia with Mary Margaret McNally, a union that graced him with a daughter, Michele, whom he adored.
A marriage to Pamela Corrigan in April, 1994 gave voice to a great love story – best expressed from beginning to end – by Michael himself: “I love you and I am in love with you.”
Since one of the proudest moments of Michael’s life was becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States, his “retirement” career in National Security gave great expression to his passionate patriotism. This youthful, spirited attitude garnered lifelong friendships with team members decades his junior.
Michael’s enthusiasm to always improve and transform his life was well realized in his total commitment and support of the Stepping Stones Men’s Group, providing a road map in his journey to his 90th year.
It has been said people come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime. Michael loved people dropping in for a cup of Irish tea, a chat or some gentle wisdom. No one who entered failed to leave without a sense of interaction with a man who really cared about them.
While we have so much to say about Michael, perhaps for now, the following poem will capture his essence:
WHAT SHALL I SAY ABOUT THE IRISH
The utterly impractical, never predictable
Something irascible, quite inexplicable Irish.
Strange blend of shyness, pride and conceit,
And stubborn refusal to bow in defeat.
He’s spoiling and ready to argue and fight,
Yet the smile of a child fills his soul with delight,
His eyes are the quickest to well up in tears,
Yet his strength is the strongest to banish your fears.
His faith is as fierce as his devotion is grand,
And there’s no middle ground on which he will stand.
He’s wild and he’s gentle.
He’s good and he’s bad.
He’s proud and he’s humble.
He’s happy and he’s sad.
He’s in love with the ocean, the earth and the skies.
He’s enamored with beauty wherever it lies.
He’s victor and victim, a star and a clod,
But mostly he’s Irish in love with his God.
A Celebratory Funeral Mass will be conducted at Christ The Redeemer Catholic Church, 46833 Harry Byrd Highway, Sterling, VA 20164 on Monday, May 24, 2021, at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org/donation.
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Rest in Peace Michael. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis Ná seas ag mo uaigh agus bí ag gol, Níl mé ann … ní chodlaíonn mé. Is mise na mílte gaoth a shéideann… Is mise na gliúnna diamanta ar shneachta… Is mise solas na gréine ar ghráin aibithe… Is mise báisteach mhín an fhómhair. Nuair a dhúisigh tú i mbolg na maidine, Is mise an luaith sciobtha sciobtha Éin mhín ag eitilt timpeall … Is mise an réalta bog a bhíonn ag taitneamh san oíche. Ná seas ag mo uaigh agus caoin— Níl mé ann … ní bhfuair mé bás.
Michael, the little bit I got to speak with you and be in your presence; your smile and laughter is what I remember. I remember the poem you shared during the memorial service for your mother-in-law and remember the love and sadness expressed. I am fortunate to have met you – a wonderful human being and a charming gentleman! Will miss you! Rest In Peace! – Vasavi
Michael, your big heart and even bigger life will be missed here. It was a very sad moment when I heard the news from your beloved, Pamela. Rest well.
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Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Michele & Pamela, our thoughts are with you both. X
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