Joseph "Larry" Lawrence Leyland Jr.

Joseph Lawrence Leyland Jr., 68, of Levittown, PA, was welcomed “home” and embraced by his one true love, Mary Lou Leyland, with the familiar phrase, “Hello Love!”. The two were reunited on May 30, 2023 at 3:02 pm.

Larry, as we all knew him, transitioned, at home, peacefully surrounded by his 4 children, Richard J. Leyland (Laney Siau), Melissa L. Toscano (husband, Mike Toscano), Alisha A. Leyland (Randy Shaner) and Lauren N.Gerth (husband,Greg Gerth). His passing was a beautiful expression of love, support and connection, as he and his children were surrounded by an army of loved ones ready to be called when needed.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Larry was a graduate of North Catholic High School and a resident of Levittown, PA since 1992. Despite being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at childhood and being given a life expectancy of 30 years, Larry beat all odds, lived a beautiful life and created a fabulous legacy. Larry’s sheer will for life lead him to withstand the challenges and setbacks of the disease with positivity. When he met Mary Lou, his life forever changed and together they established a strong foundation of love.

Larry worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 20+ years. When he was unable to be in the booth, he “found a way” and went to a desk job, where he was nicknamed “Larry the Lamp” because he was always there lighting the way for others.

Larry also served the Catholic Youth Organization as a Football Coach for Ascension of Our Lord Parish and was part of the coaching staff responsible for maintaining the program when in jeopardy of closing. Although Larry couldn’t play himself, his passion for the game lead him to empower others both on and off the field. Under Coach Leyland’s 20+ years of leadership the team won multiple CYO championships and many lives were influenced. Larry’s love for the game and his ability to motivate and inspire remained with him even beyond his coaching years.

A major part of Larry’s purpose and legacy are his 8 grandchildren; Jacob, Koryn, Kylee and Kannan Leyland, Leyla and Delaney Gerth, and Carina and Michael Toscano. His final agreement with his “medicine babies” was to “Remember to stay positive and take life one day at a time and always remember that Pop Pop loves you.” Larry’s positivity is something he lived by and passed on to so many.

He will be greatly missed by his siblings, Donna, Gerry and Kevin Leyland and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peggy (Bloomer), Joseph L. Leyland, Sr. and stepfather, Joseph Bloomer along with his brother, Timothy Leyland.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, June 11th from 11:30 a.m until 2:30 p.m. at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA where his funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm. At the children’s request, please wear something that commemorates your connection to Larry (North Catholic, Ascension, Nascar, Hospitality Creek Campground, Philadelphia Eagles, etc.) This is in an effort to help us tell Larry’s story and understand the impact and influence Larry had on so many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Larry’s name may be made to Kelly’s Kidz via Venmo @KellysKidz123