John J. "Jack" Leyden

 John (Jack) J. Leyden, US Marshall, RET., passed away in his North Kingstown home surrounded by his loving family on March 3, 2021 at the age of 89. He joins his wife of 59 years, Beverly A. (Bowen) Leyden and is survived by his five children: Lori Leyden; John (Jack) Leyden Jr., RET Major RISP (wife Carlotta); Lynn McKnight (husband Brian McKnight); Lisa Murray (husband Dave Murray); Leigh Leyden (fiancé Doug Posich); and six grandchildren: Taylor and Lindsey McKnight; John J. Leyden III; and Shayla, Sara and David Murray, Jr.

Raised in the Smith Hill section of Providence, Jack was the son of Irish immigrants, the late Thomas J. and Katherine (McGovern) Leyden, as well as brother to Thomas J. Leyden, Katherine (Kay) Lovatt and Martin (Marty) Leyden.

From his humble beginnings, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War before entering a career in law enforcement that spanned 40 years. His exceptional and well-storied legacy was exemplified by his integrity, compassion and passion for justice.

A true humanitarian, he believed that everyone deserved a second chance, and readily offered love, comfort and advice to family, friends, and colleagues as well as a fair shake to all those he encountered in his work.

From walking a beat in South Providence as a rookie patrolman to his appointment by President William J. Clinton to United States Marshal for the District of Rhode Island, Marshall Leyden never forgot his roots and continually expressed deep gratitude for his many blessings.

On his appointment to US Marshall, RI Senator Jack Reed said, “Jack Leyden embodies integrity, courage, and the ‘spirit of community,’ and has a compassionate heart as well.”

From 1956 to 1984, he served as a highly commended member of the Providence Police Department, quickly rising through the ranks until retiring with the position of Major. During that time, he led the PPD’s first Organized Crime Task Force aimed at dismantling local racketeering.

He was also graduate of the 87th FBI National Academy.

In 1984, he was appointed Chief of the North Kingstown Police Department where he served the citizens for nine years before the late Senator Claiborne Pell nominated him to his position as US Marshall.

He spearheaded many high-profile investigations leading to major arrests including the 1975 murder conviction of Thomas Innis. The Innis case was appealed to the US Supreme Court resulting in the conviction being upheld and significantly defining the scope of 5th Amendment Miranda Rights.

Before his doctors “benched” him, Jack was an avid athlete who continued to play competitive basketball, racquetball, golf and tennis well into his 80s.

A devout Catholic, Jack was a communicant of Saint Bernard Church, belonged to numerous community organizations and supported many charities over the years. As a member of the Sons of Irish Kings, he was sincerely proud of his Irish heritage. He also served as President of the R I Police Chiefs Association and Secretary of the National Police Chiefs Association. He earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11:00 am at Saint Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation/walk-through will be held in the Church from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Safety protocols will be in place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hope Hospice and/or Meals on Wheels.

Burial, with military honors, will be private. For on-line condolences, please visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com