Leo Joseph Roy Jr.

Leo Joseph Roy Jr., 87, of Methuen, MA, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away on March 21, 2022, at his home. Born on March 26, 1934, he was the son to the late Leo and Isabel (Boudreau) Roy. Leo was also known as Mr. Fantastic! His response to “how are you doing” was always an enthusiastic and sincere “Fantastic”! Leo always maintained a positive mindset, no matter the challenges he faced in life, he always had a positive outlook.

Born and raised in Van Buren, ME, Leo was fluent in French, and learned English by the age of sixteen. Leo briefly attended seminary school, but he had a change of heart and decided to join the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he became pen pals with Theresa, who soon became the love of his life. Leo received his undergraduate degree from Lowell Tech, and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern. Leo started his engineering career at General Electric, various engineering and leadership roles at AVCO/TEXTRON, retiring from his career after several years with Raytheon.

Leo was very caring, big hearted, and generous with his available time. Family and his Catholic faith were his highest priorities. While raising a new family, Leo and Theresa invited into their home three of her younger brothers and a sister, as they were orphaned and had no other home. When his sons were involved in Boy Scouts, the Troop, struggling with leadership, Leo stepped up to become the Troop Scout Leader. He fully engaged himself in all that the local BSA had to offer in leadership training in order to provide his best for all members of the troop and the council. St. Lucy’s parish held a very special place in his heart. Rarely hesitating to volunteer his time to support the many church community activities that were asked of him. From teaching children and young adults about Christianity and the Catholic faith, through the Church’s CCD program, to being fully engaged with training and facilitating the marriage preparation program at St. Lucy’s (partnering with Theresa), are but a few examples.

As his children became independent, Leo focused his boundless energy, sharing new experiences with his beloved Theresa. They set off to see the world. Exploring Alaska, cruising through the Panama Canal, visiting extended family members across the US, multiple trips to European countries and discovering new hobbies together. Ball room dancing, singing in Methuen’s senior center choir, friendly competition in local bocce events. Loving life, loving is wife and loving learning and experiencing something new.

Leo unconditionally loved his children, especially his grandchildren. Always, without hesitation, putting aside other personal activities, he made himself available, to council, console, and lovingly support us, throughout our lives’ events and challenges. When needing something fixed or an extra pair of hands, he was there. When offered to join a new adventure to hike and camp with family, he jumped at the opportunity. Focused and fully engaged when a grandchild asked him to build with legos, play cards, swim in his pool, build a castle in his woods……his grandchildren brought him great joy and purpose. He has left us with many fond memories, experiences and life skills to assure we had the opportunity to make the most out of our lives. His life was filled with examples of leadership, determination, resilience, empathy, continuous learning and self-confidence. All of which have helped to establish a strong foundation from which his family has grown and thrived.

Leo lived a full and fulfilling life. Always seeking the positive in people, in experiences, and within his family and closest friends. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

Along with his parents, Leo is pre-deceased by his siblings, Elmer Roy, Ruby Nealy, and Jerry Roy.

Leo will be deeply missed and is survived by his loving wife of over sixty years, Mary Emelia Theresa (Lefebvre) Roy; children, Kevin Roy and his significant other Wendy Iffland of Wakefield, NH, David Roy and his wife Jana of Taft, TN, Kimarie Roy and her significant other Robert Millar of Methuen, MA, Deanna Perron and her husband Ed of Dunlop, TN, Lea Proia-Roy and her wife Lucy of Newton, MA; sister, Joan Blacklaw; grandchildren, Nathan Roy, Mitchell Roy, Joshua Roy, Christopher Proia-Roy, and Catie Proia-Roy and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.