John R. Leu, 92

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  John Richard Leu, age 92, longtime resident of North Adams, MA, passed away on April 14, 2025 in Phoenixville, PA. He was the beloved husband of 70 years of Edith A. (Townsend) Leu. Born on January 12, 1933 in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late John J. and Gertrude S.H. (Bode) Leu.

Mr. Leu was a graduate of The Choate School in Wallingford, CT and received his bachelor's degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He served honorably as an officer in the United States Army, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant while serving post-WWII in Germany.

Mr. Leu, known to all as Jack, was a respected businessman in North Adams through various ventures. For many years he was the proprietor of Mohawk Motors at the corner of Main and Marshall Streets, offering automotive sales and services as well as retail and office space. Jack worked alongside dedicated employees including Dick Charron, Doug Crosier and Fran Goodell, as well multiple generations of workers throughout the years. He was a kind man, known for his patience and humility.

Jack was an EMT and owner of the Mohawk Ambulance Service. Initially operating as one ambulance, the service transitioned into The North Adams Ambulance Service and then Northern Berkshire EMS. He served on its Board of Directors until his death.

Jack’s dedication to North Adams extended beyond his businesses. He was a longtime member of the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, the North Adams Planning Commission, and served as the Chairman of the Fall Foliage Festival and the City of North Adams Centennial Celebration Parade. He received multiple civic recognitions, including the Northern Berkshire Hayden Memorial Award for outstanding civic and community leadership and the Distinguished Service Award from the Office of the Mayor of North Adams. In 2024, he was honored when the park at the corner of Main and Marshall Streets was dedicated in his name. Jack was also an avid sailor and private pilot, and enjoyed gardening.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Leu is survived by his children and their families: Marybeth Leu and Darla Belevich of Dorset, VT; Catherine Leu of Holyoke, MA; Christine Leu Greenhalge and Charles of North Attleboro, MA; John Richard Leu, Jr and Linda of Barre, VT; Robert Leu and Peggy of Phoenixville, PA; Lisa Leu Healy and Tim of Charlottesville, VA; Douglas Leu and Debbie Pepper of Milton, MA, and a loving extended family including grandchildren, a great-grandchild and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Loomis.

A memorial service will be held Saturday May 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPEL, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Northern Berkshire EMS or Hospitality Homes at hosp.org or in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com