ALBANY – Daniel J. Leyden, 70, of Albany, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 23, 2019 surrounded by loving family and lifelong friends. Dan was born in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Robert D. and Eileen F. Godfrey Leyden. His family moved to Albany in 1954. Dan was a proud graduate of Vincentian Institute, Class of ‘67. In high school he excelled at basketball and baseball. He continued playing baseball while earning his degree at the College of the Holy Cross. Dan also played baseball in the Albany Twilight League for several years, and was named rookie of the year in 1969. In 2011, he was inducted into the Bishop Maginn High School Alumni Assocation Hall of Fame for athletics. Dan was employed by Banker’s Trust Co. during his early twenties and then began a 28 year career with Albany County working in personnel. He retired in 2004 as Director of Civil Service. Dan enjoyed reading, golf, cooking, watching the Yankees and visits from his grandkids. He was an avid fan of music from his favorite decade, the 50’s. He was a member of the Twilight League Veterans assocation, and a 35 year member of the Knights of Columbus. Throughout his life Dan treasured the friendship of a group of loyal friends he had since grade school. He was loved and cherished by his children, extended family and countless friends.
Dan is survived by his children Michael G. Leyden (Sara) of Bristol, VT, Thomas D. Leyden (Melanie) of Danville, CA, and Kathryn L. Yund (George) of Glenmont; his siblings Robert Leyden (Brenda) of Albany, Brian Leyden (Rose) of Malta, Virginia DeWolf (Thomas) of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Teresa Tiernan (Thomas) of Jamestown, RI; and by his brother in law Roland Mahony of Albany. Dan is also survived by his 4 grandchildren and 12 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Judy Mahony.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Vincent de Paul Church, Madison Ave. & Partridge St., Albany Thursday morning at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at St. Vincent de Paul Church on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Mary Ellen Console
I will miss you Dan. Our talks helping you out and all the fun times we had in Personnel! You were the best and I hope you have a special place in heaven. We all love you. Pies….
Tom Ozimek
Well after ten thousand laughs, several dozen Miller High Life beer, we are on separate roads now. I remember vividly when you corralled the kids packed them in the station wagon brought them to my house and proceeded to have them load the back of the wagon with “fresh” horse manure for you flower garden. I remember riding in the ambulance with you after your heart attack you had at your desk at work. Well my friend I am going to miss our laughs together. Keep the beer cold. Tom
Karen Recene
Mike, Tom and Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Remember all the good times and memories, look for him in the simplest of things, it will make you smile knowing he is there.
Karen Recene
Dan Buddie
Blest to have had Dan in my life, and as a friend at VI since 8th grade. A great athlete — a better person! My sincere best to Dan’s family, I share in your sorrow.
Tina pinney
I will always remember Dan in civil service and personnel. He was smart and very funny. You will forever be remembered and respected by all. Book um Dano!!!
Dottie Dack
So very sorry to hear this. U were always there for everyone and added your dry humor to lift the day.
“Trivial Pursuit” will never be the same!
Rest In Peace dear Danny.
Maureen Cassidy
My condolences to his children. Please know that your Dad was one of the best guys in our class at Vincentian. Always a gentleman, smart and funny. RIP Danny.
Maureen Cassidy
Franklin, TN
Joan and Ron D’Ambrosi
Tom, Mike and Kathy. Ron and I are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Our lives on Brockley Drive were intertwined for so many years and you all always felt like our extended family. Remember the laughter. Love to you and your families.
Tom Sullivan VI '67
I haven’t cried in quite a while but this news honestly hurt. Although I haven’t seen Danny (Les) in many years, the memories of our early school years together are still very clear and warming. He was always such a decent and happy soul who brought smiles to anyone around him.
I’d like to offer my sincerest condolences to all his loved ones…..tom
Michael J. Crook, M.D.
I was not only a Holy Cross classmate of Dan’s (class of ‘71) but also a teammate of his in the Twilight League for many years. Many good times to think back on as he’s left us way too soon. He’ll remain in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Dan
gil brookins
Mike, Tommy, and Kathy
Our condolences to you. we have great memories of you “kids” and your Dad in the old neighborhood.
Gil and Marlene Brookins