It is in honor of my father, Robert A. Leahy, who was employed by the MCCSD for more than 30 years, that I write this remembrance. He was there at the district's "conception"… almost ... way back in 1954 when he arrived from Boston, Massachusetts. My father first worked at the old schoolhouse on Middle Country Road where the Aboff's now stands. He then moved on to "The Cottages", Unity Drive School, Wood Road School, Hawkins Path Elementary School, New Lane School and North Coleman Elementary School. He was always a loyal and true friend, he wouldn't stand for hypocrisy, and always believed in giving someone a second chance. He was a spirited educator, whether he was singing with the children or telling them stories about the fairies and leprechauns of Irish legend. I remember him rehearsing lines and lyrics for the MCTA produced plays such as The King and I and Guys and Dolls where he most nearly brought the house down every night with his rendition of "Sit Down You're Rockin’ the Boat". He would love to sample Anne Piarino's Italian spaghetti sauce in the cafeteria and spend time with his favorite custodian, Bob Hunter and groundskeeper, Connie Buonoura. He always made you feel special. He loved knowing that students felt pride in their achievements and often brought recognition to the "wee ones" when they accomplished something notable. His office was not decorated with prints and paintings of the famous, kindergarteners' work adorned the walls. The plaque at North Coleman Road Elementary School is engraved with his favorite saying, "It's nice to be nice." It is ironic that he was buried on March 17, Saint Patrick's Day, his most favorite day of the year. So, my dear father, know that you are loved, missed, and thought of with great affection always, "from glen to glen and down the mountainside."

In memory of Robert A. Leahy by his daughter, Kathleen.

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