Joseph C. Leavell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph C. Leavell (Jr.) of Hingham, MA, who died on October 12, 2024, at the age of 69. Born on December 16, 1954, in Buffalo, NY, Joe was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather, whose quiet dependability had a profound and lasting impact on those around him. 

Joe’s wife Carol was the love of his life. Together, he and Carol shared 51 years of unconditional love and mutual respect. Joe’s greatest pride was his two daughters, Heather and Jessica, and he, in turn, was the center of their universe. Joe’s grandchildren brought him tremendous joy. He was a constant, loving presence in their lives. The hours he spent traveling to their concerts, games, birthday parties, and more are too numerous to count. Family was always first for Joe, who would go out of his way to show his support, including (regularly) making the 8-hour trip from Boston to Buffalo for family gatherings or to care for ailing family members.

Joe enjoyed gardening, reading thriller novels, exercising at the Weymouth Club, and spending time with his close friends. An honorary Italian by marriage, Joe made the best raviolis and pizzelles, skills he learned while working at an Italian market in South Buffalo as a teenager. Along with his wife Carol, Joe was an avid traveler, taking many trips around the United States, Europe (including almost two dozen stops in Paris), and South America.

Joe graduated from Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, NY and later earned a BA in Business at SUNY Buffalo and an MBA at Syracuse University Whitman School of Management. He worked in management for several companies before joining the faculty of Abington High School where he spent 10 years as a teacher and business department chair. He was a past president of the Rotary Club in both Hanson and Abington, MA. He was a caring, humorous and sweet man and will be greatly missed for the gifts he shared with so many of us. 

Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Shea) Leavell of Buffalo, NY, beloved husband to Carol (Eusanio) Leavell of Hingham, MA, cherished father of Heather Leavell and her husband Zack Drench of Bedford, MA, and Jessica Leavell and her husband Craig Coldwell of Bedford, MA. He was a loving brother of Rita Leavell of NY and the late Lora Carpenter and David, Mark, and Michael Leavell. He was the devoted grandfather of Misha and Lucia Drench and Lilly and Riley Leavell-Coldwell. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life event will be held on December 14, 2024 from 12-3pm at Tosca Restaurant, 14 North Street in Hingham. There will be a time of formal reflection on Joe’s life beginning at 1 pm. All members of the South Shore/Greater Boston community who knew, appreciated and loved Joe are welcome to drop by and visit. Food and refreshments will be provided.  

We ask that interested parties please RSVP with the number of expected visitors by November 30th to assist the family in planning the event. RSVPs can be delivered to Jessica Leavell via phone/text (603)-566-4706 or by email at leavellja@aol.com. 

In addition, a Buffalo-based Celebration of Life is being planned for the early spring. Outreach to New York and Ohio friends and family will be forthcoming as details are finalized.

Donations in memory of Joe may be made to South Shore Hospital, made out to South Shore Health Foundation, 55 Fogg Rd. Weymouth, MA 02190.