Lower Merion's Jack Leahy, Former VP Of Strawbridge And Clothier, 84

Obituary as previously published on McConaghy Funeral Home

John J. “Jack” Leahy, of Bryn Mawr, PA, passed away on November 6, 2015 at Bryn Mawr Hospital. He was 84.

Upon his retirement, John J. Leahy was Senior Vice President for Operations and General Superintendent of Strawbridge and Clothier, where he worked for forty-two years. The Board of Directors thanked him for his “dedicated and distinguished service and genuine interest in and encouragement of others.” He graduated in 1952 from Villanova University with a B.S. in Economics, which prepared him well for his future successful employment. After graduation, he served during the Korean War for a period of two years at the Japanese Procurement Agency in Yokahama, Japan where he was a contracting officer. (All five of the Leahy brothers served their country in either the Navy or Army.)

When he returned from Japan, he became a Buyer in the Men’s Division of Strawbridge and Clothier and later was named Manager of the Springfield store. In 1967 he was promoted to Manager of the Plymouth Meeting store.

On his retirement, he it was noted that he had served as Vice President longer than any other officer at that time.

He was a member of many retail groups among them: the AMC, NRMA and the National Retail Federation where he served as a Director of the National Retail Federation’s Board. Jack Leahy enjoyed traveling in this country and abroad, where he always managed to make many friends with whom he kept in touch throughout the years.

He is survived by his wife, Mary S. Leahy and his son, John Mark Leahy.

A Visitation for him will be held at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken Road, Gladwyne, PA on Tuesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in his name to Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085.