Norton continues to mourn the loss of long-time Norton High School teacher Peter Leddy today, who died from his battle with cancer Sunday.
Leddy was a member of the science department of Norton High School for over 30 years. In his time at NHS, Leddy was also a volleyball and softball coach, science department chair and photographer.
“He attended virtually every NHS activity and was a tremendous mentor to younger teachers,” said NHS principal Raymond Dewar.
“Peter, to me, was a good friend. I admired his love of learning, his love of teaching and his ongoing desire to become better at both teaching and learning. He was always positive and ready to help. He will be missed by Norton High School,” Dewar said.
Leddy was officially diagnosed Nov. 19, 2010. On his Facebook page, Leddy wrote: “At first there was panic, but the initial radiation, chemotherapy, and even the surgeries brought on a sense of calm. During August, I was 'hiking' with friends daily and talking about taking a trip to Italy in November, family cruise in next summer and to Glacier National Park in the fall. The craniectomy in September, along with the radiation and the chemotherapy to begin 21 November has dimmed my prospects. Never the less, I will continue to fight. How could I not fight with all the support you have demonstrated?”
And that support has extended to Leddy’s family and friends on his Facebook page, where dozens of people have expressed their condolences on his “Wall.”
“Thank you Peter Leddy for seeing the potential in me and never letting me give up,” wrote Codi Corriel-Dugas. “You not only furthered my passion for volleyball but encouraged me to go farther with it. I owe it to you. I'll never forget you and thank you for everything. Rest in Peace.”
“Mr. Leddy is a true Lancer and part of the fabric of Norton High School,” said high school librarian Jennifer Young, who was very close to Leddy. “As a science teacher and coordinator, he holds everyone to the highest standards, but his presence is felt well beyond the classroom. He is a tremendous supporter of athletics, a friend to the National Honor Society, and a photojournalist for all the comings and goings of Norton High School. And let’s not forget his role of school comedian. Mr. Leddy always has a smile on his face and quip to make us laugh. Norton High School won’t be the same without him.”
“I had Mr. Leddy freshman year for physical science, and every time the phone in his class rang, regardless of if he was in the middle of a lesson or we were all silent taking a test, he would yell 'THE BAT PHONE!' and race to answer it,” recalled Melanie Huynh, a senior at NHS. “I have to admit, his teaching methods and sense of humor is definitely something I've come to appreciate more as I've become older. Sitting in his class my first year of high school I remember thinking, ‘This guy is insane.’ But looking back on it now, I remember his jokes and laugh to myself a little. He will be sorely missed throughout the community. It's clear that he had a big impact on all of his past students.”
Leddy was an avid outdoorsman and traveller. He hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim two years ago, visited many national parks, backpacked through Italy, and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. He also went walking in WWI park every weekday. And most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.
At Monday night's School Committee meeting, a moment of silence was held in his honor.
A wake will be held Thursday, Dec. 8, 4 to 8 p.m. at Dyer Lake Funeral Home, in North Attleboro. The funeral will be Friday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m. at St. Marks Church, North Attleboro.
