Obituaries

David M Leahy

July 15, 1952 - March 27, 2025

David Leahy, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida, at the age of 72.  Born July 15, 1952, in St. Albans, Vermont, to the late Dr. Paul and Margery (Loftis) Leahy, David lived a life filled with adventure, love, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

After graduating from Bellows Free Academy in 1970, David pursued his passion for health and wellness, attending Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa.  His commitment to service led him to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1972, where he conducted medical research at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Katherine Poborsky, beginning a lifelong love story.  David and Katherine married on August 16, 1975, and embarked on a journey together, beginning with David’s undergraduate studies at the University of South Dakota. He subsequently graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1978.

While awaiting his Vermont chiropractic license, David embarked on a successful 23-year career with IBM.  He later served his country again, joining Customs and Border Patrol in Tucson, Arizona, before transferring to the Florida Keys as a Criminal Research Specialist for ICE, retiring in 2017.  David and Katherine then settled in Lakeland, Florida, to enjoy their proximity to Disney World, a favorite family vacation destination.

David’s love for travel began in childhood, nurtured by train journeys with his grandmother, Nena. This passion extended throughout his life, taking him to all 50 U.S. states and numerous countries.  He cherished camping and cruising adventures with family and friends, and shared his love of skiing, teaching the sport alongside his best friend, Steve, at Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont.

David is survived by his devoted wife, Katherine (Poborsky) Leahy; his daughter, Kelly; his son, Kevin (Samantha); cherished grandchildren, Fletcher, Paxton, Noah, Jacob, and Asher; sister, Mary; brothers, William (Bernice), Robert (Colleen); sister-in-law, Nancy Lane; close friend, Shannon Black; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to their dear friends Steve and Nancy Maranville, David Dresser, the compassionate staff at Hawthorne Inn of Lakeland and Savannah Cottage, Compassionate Care, their church family at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, the Memory Cafe, and the countless friends who enriched David’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in David’s memory to Alzheimer’s Research.  His spirit of adventure, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.