Born on February 9, 1947, in Troy, New York, Dr. Leahy dedicated his life to advancing the Earth sciences and serving the public interest. He earned his Bachelor of Science in geology and Master of Science in geophysics from Boston College before completing his Ph.D. in geology at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, specializing in hydrogeology and regional groundwater resources. In 1996 he received the Boston College Award of Excellence in Science.
Dr. Leahy began his distinguished 32-year career with the USGS in 1974. Rising to Associate Director for Geology, he oversaw vital national research programs addressing earthquake hazards, geologic mapping, land use, climate change, and energy and mineral resources. His public service culminated in his leadership as Acting Director of the USGS from June 2005 through October 2006. President George W. Bush recognized him twice through the Presidential Rank Awards program: Meritorious Executive in 2003 and Distinguished Executive in the 2007 award cycle. He also received the Department of the Interior's Distinguished Service Award and several honors from professional geoscience organizations.
Following his federal career, Dr. Leahy served as Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) beginning in 2007. Over his lifetime, he earned recognition as a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and served as President of both the American Institute of Hydrology and the U.S. National Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.
A longtime resident of Reston, Virginia, and Nags Head, North Carolina, Patrick embraced life with passion and curiosity. He was a lifelong world traveler who, alongside his wife, loved exploring every corner of the globe in the company of dear friends. An avid golfer, he spent many happy hours on the course as an active member of both the Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston and Nags Head Golf Links.
Above all, Patrick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Cathy; his three children, Sarah Talley (husband Daniel), W. Dennis Leahy (wife Della), and Brendan Leahy (Allison); his seven cherished grandchildren, Katie, Abby, Jack, Halyn, Mel, James and Caleb; his sister, Shirley W. Leahy of Troy, NY; sister in law, Kay Leahy of Troy, NY, brother in law, Philip McGuane of Dunellen, NJ and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, William P. And Shirley W.(Breen) and his brother, William C. Leahy.
He will be remembered by colleagues, friends, and family as a steadfast champion for Earth stewardship, a visionary leader, and a deeply kind, dedicated mentor whose stories and warmth will be dearly missed.
On August 25, 2026, visitation will be held at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042 from four o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening.
A Funeral Service will be held on August 26, 2026, at eleven in the morning at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd., Reston, VA 20191. The service will be followed by a Committal Service at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.
Friends and family are cordially invited to a reception in Celebration of Patrick's Life at Hidden Creek Country Club at, 1711 Clubhouse Rd., Reston, VA 20190 from two thirty in the afternoon until five thirty.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Geosciences Institute (https://www.americangeosciences.org/donate/) or the Jimmy Fund Walk benefiting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=jfw_donate&fr_id=2560)
