William "Bo" Leahey, Jr

William "Bo" Leahey Jr., 69, of Crystal Lake passed away at his home unexpectedly on Thursday, March 28, 2013. Bo was the beloved husband and best friend of Cleta (nee Wind) Leahey for 44 years and the loving father of Tracey Dayton and Kevin.

Described as a man who "was never without friends and a person who enjoyed the company of people everywhere", he was always willing to give his attention to those he came in contact with. He never shied away from striking up a conversation with anyone he was surrounded by, regardless of the time or circumstance.

Born on August 14, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri to William Sr. and Teresa (nee Skaggs) Leahey, Bo quickly became a lifelong St. Louis Baseball Cardinals fan. He was passionate about the team for his entire life and was never bashful about telling anyone living in the Chicago area that "his" team had won 10 world series.

Bo worked as a Director of National Sales for Crystal Lake/Creighton Brothers Egg Products out of Warsaw, IN where he picked up the nickname "Eggboy." He enjoyed his work and always expressed his gratitude towards everyone he worked with. Bo's real passion in life outside of his family and work was the area's high school sports scene. He had an intense desire to see area youth succeed on the field and the classroom and always wanted the best for local student athletes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cleta; daughter, Tracey (Michael) Dayton; son, Kevin (Jodie); grandchildren, Caitlyn and Drew Dayton and Payton and Brendan Leahey; siblings, Teresa Leahey, Jackie Gisburne, Jim (Susan), and Kathy Barthelmass; sister-in-law, Pat Brewer; brothers-in-law, Jack (Lois) Wind and Bob Hargrove; and many nieces and nephews.

Bo was predeceased by his parents, William Sr. and Teresa; sisters, Mickey Hargrove and Patricia Leahey; and brothers-in-law, Jan Gisburne, Skip Barthelmass, Bill (Jeanne) Wind, and John Brewer.

A celebration of Bo's life will be held from 2-8 p.m., Monday, April 1, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake. Lively conversation and fun stories will be expected while casual St. Louis Cardinal or Cardinal red attire is welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bo’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 800-342-2383, www.diabetes.org, or the American Heart Association, 800-242-8721, www.heart.org.

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