Dennis P. Leahy

Dennis P. Leahy, age 64 of Atkinson, passed away on Friday April 20, 2012 at Parkland Medical Center in Derry as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier that day in Windham.

Dennis was born on August 24, 1947 in Malden, MA the son of Paul and C. Winifred (Welby) Leahy.  He was raised in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School Class of 1965.  Dennis graduated from Northeastern University Class of 1975 with a degree in criminal justice.  He also received 3 Masters Degrees.  He earned an M.S. in criminal justice, an M.Ed. and an M.A. in criminal justice.

Dennis was drafted into the U.S. Army during Vietnam, later attended OCS and received a commission.  He served his country as a Special Forces Officer for 29 years combined active and reserve duty, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

He worked as a Special Agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms in Boston for 24 years, retiring in 2000.  In retirement, Dennis continued his criminal investigative career with The Insurance Fraud Bureau, The New England State Police Information Network and Hewlett Packard Corporation.  Dennis fully retired in 2010.

Dennis loved the outdoors and adventure.  He enjoyed sailing, skiing and traveling.  One of his greatest joys was spending time with his daughters and grandsons.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Jill L. (Forwerck) Leahy of Atkinson, daughters, Carolyn M. Vargas and husband Michael of Charlotte, NC and Katelyn M. Leahy of South Boston, MA. Brothers; Philip of Malden, MA, William of Chatham, MA, Thomas of Steamboat, CO, Paul and his wife Dee of Londonderry, NH, Gregory of Sudbury, MA and Daniel and his wife Judith Soma of Lunenburg, MA. Sister, Mary McCann and her husband James III of Sudbury, MA, grandsons, Aaron M. and Evan C. Vargas of Charlotte, NC.  Many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday April 25, 2012 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM at the Atkinson Resort & Country Club, 85 Country Club Drive Atkinson, NH 03811 in the "Farview State Room"'.  All are invited to attend the interment at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03033-2413 on Thursday April 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM.  Committal prayers and military honors will be rendered in the cemetery chapel.

Donations may be made to:
"Helping Our Troops"'
c/o Stoneham Bank
80 Montvale Avenue
Stoneham, MA 02180

Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home 116 Main Street in Plaistow, NH is entrusted with the arrangements.  Please visit www.brooksidechapelfh.com to sign the on-line register book.