Leo S. Boosahda

RESCHEDULED-Leo S. Boosahda, 81, of West Boylston, passed away peacefully, at home on Saturday, January 29th. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, Emily Swide Boosahda, and adoring family. He was born in Worcester on February 17th 1929 and since then has had a tremendous impact on his community. Leo was not only known for being a fantastic husband, father, brother, and friend, but also frequently referred to as "an amazing man."

He was very active at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester as a many-term member of the Board of Directors and served in several other religious capacities among them an altar boy, choir member, Sunday School and Bible School teacher. He also worked on and chaired many town committees starting back in the early 1960's, coached several youth teams, served in the Korean War, led boy scout troops, was his class a salutatorian and a "triple-threat" football player for his alma maters: Northeastern University and Commerce High. Leo was a natural teacher and team player: he was a leader in business, and later taught auto mechanics and wood shop in Grafton and at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough before owning his own family business, Tata Press, in Leominster. He also served as the president of the local and state Printer's Association, was a member of the Masons, and the Wood Acres Civic Association.

Mr. Boosahda had many hobbies and loved to travel, especially with his wife and family. A devoted husband, brother, and Dad, Leo was always building and fixing things. He built a gallery for his wife which they named EmLee's Gallery and his frames adorn her paintings locally and all around the world just as the many vital lessons he's taught. Leo taught by example. He lived his life with family as a priority and with unwavering kindness, and unconditional respect. He unpretentiously showed others how to care for everything from needy pets to broken pipes and curious children; Leo wrote the book on teamwork and empowering others. He wasn't quoted as saying, "If you think you can or you can't, you're right," because he taught others that by example.

Leo is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 58 years, Emily Swide Boosahda, originally of Roslindale, and their six daughters and their families: Stephanie Boosahda of Cape Cod: Nicole, Algis, Colin, and Mitchell Norkevicius of Plymouth, Joshua & Rheem Boosahda of Hayward, CA, and Emily and Kyle Hopkins of Slippery Rock, PA (grandchildren & great grandchildren); Sandra and Fred Burgoyne of Worcester: Amanda Burgoyne of Chicago, and Andrew Burgoyne of Millbury (grandchildren); Laurie Boosahda of Deerfield: Mathiele and Khalil Taylor (grandchildren); Lisa-Holly and John Sooy, of Shrewsbury: Johnny, Evan, and Cole (grandchildren); Kimberly and Timothy Joyce of Hopkinton: Maxwell Leo, Alexander, and Sydney (grandchildren); and Kristen Boosahda-Eaton of Shrewsbury and Cassandra (grandchildren).

The adored "baby brother" of seven, Leo was predeceased by his sister Rose Nicola of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also survived by two sisters: Freda Dadah and Elizabeth Boosahda, both of Worcester and three brothers: John Busada of Charlottesville, VA; Abraham Busada of Shreveport, LA; and Michael Boosahda (and wife Margaret) of Worcester.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at Fay BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME IN WEST BOYLSTON from 4:00 - 7:00 on THURSDAY, February 3rd with Trisagion Prayers at 5 p.m.The funeral will be FRIDAY, February 4th at St. George Cathedral, 30 Anna Street in Worcester with calling hours from 10 - 11, funeral at 11. Memorial donations can be sent, in Leo's name, to St. George's Cathedral, 30 Anna St., Worcester, or the West Boylston Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 132, West Boylston.