Alan Leao

Alan O. Leao, 75, passed away with his brother-in-law Richard Brady on October 4, 2023 while scuba diving at Front Beach in Rockport, MA. He was born in Raul Soares, Minas Gerais, Brazil on October 11, 1947 to proud parents, Dr. Hugo A. Leao and Mirtes (Oliveira) Leao. Alan was the third of four sons. 

Alan’s childhood years were a wonderful combination of Huckleberry Finn-like adventures and the disciplined lifestyle of a prominent family. He raised Cain outside the house, but acted like a proper young man when around his parents. He loved playing cowboys and indians with his brothers, cousins and friends, riding in the rumble seat of his uncle’s car, watching the Three Stooges in the theater, and listening to his Uncle Moreno play the piano. Alan rode horses for hours, exploring and experiencing life. Following in his father and older brothers’ footsteps, Alan began playing futbol (soccer) and his life-long passion for the beautiful game began.

Though the prosperity of his family gave him security and privilege, Alan was disillusioned by the repressive national government and suspended civil rights in Brazil during the Cold War. He graduated from Colegio Commercial da AEC in 1968.  Around this time his older brothers traveled to the US to play soccer, so Alan soon followed. He was chasing adventure, but had no intentions of staying permanently.

All that changed when he met the love of his life, Patty Brady, and began building a family. Son Alan, Jr. was born in 1971 followed by daughter Michelle in 1976. Alan and Patty put down roots in Pepperell, MA in 1972, leading to many adventures: lifelong friendships, creation of Pepperell Youth Soccer, deejaying dances at the Youth Center, co-hosting a Brazilian radio show in Lowell, and playing on the most dominant teams in the New England Over-The-Hill Soccer League for many years.

Few people were as committed to conditioning their bodies to withstand the rigors of a competitive sport as Alan was with soccer. He played every weekend and was just as committed in his 70’s as he was in 40’s. The days preceding a game were about preparation and practice, and he took great pride in his level of commitment.

As the years went by Patty and Alan would welcome grandchildren into their lives. Alan loved spending time with them: playing video games, running on the soccer fields, and going out to lunch at Mariano’s, Brazilian restaurants, Espresso or C & S. When the kids were young, they had a “Bobo” who gave them undivided attention. Patty passed in 2010 and Alan’s life changed dramatically.

Alan connected with his companion Angelica Bastos and the two traveled to Europe, South & Central America, and the Caribbean. Along the way Alan picked up scuba diving under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Richard Brady. They were an “Odd Couple”, yin and yang, who had enormous respect for one another and were both committed to living active lives. Alan was a man who made no excuses and was committed to living life to its fullest. His body may have been broken, but his constitution never wavered. 

Alan had the amazing ability to never judge people by their title, bank account or social status. He came from a country club background but willingly traded in that life for a union card with the Teamsters, never regretting that decision. Materialism meant very little to him and he was the ultimate minimalist. Not many would have given up that status like Alan did.

Alan’s mother lost her son, Wagner and Romel lost their brother, his children lost their father, grandchildren lost their Bobo, nieces and nephews lost an uncle, and teammates lost their friend. But Alan’s wife Patty has him back in her arms where he always wanted to be. 

As Alan believed, life truly is beautiful.

Alan is survived by his son Alan Leao, Jr. of Pepperell, MA, daughter Michelle McGrath and husband Sean of Millbury, MA, grandchildren Garrett Leao, Anna Leao, Ty McGrath, and Michael Workman, his mother Mirtes Leao Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, brother Romel Leao and wife Lizandra also of Brazil, brother Wagner and wife Sylvana of Nashua, NH, his long-time companion Angelica Bastos of Lowell, MA, and her daughter Amanda Bastos of Sturbridge, MA, as well as nieces, nephews, godchildren and many friends he valued as family. 

In addition to his wife, Patty, Alan was predeceased by his father, Dr. Hugo A. Leao, and his brother, Hugo Leao. 

Visiting hours will be held in the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main St. (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Friday, October 20th from 4 - 8 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Alan's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace worshiping at St. Joseph Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA on Saturday, October 21st at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pepperell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lazarus House via https://lazarushouse.org/donate-now