Leo S. Hourihan, of South Schoolhouse Road, Leyden, MA died Sunday 7/7/24 at his home. He was born in Dover, NH on May 17, 1942, the son of Leo and Janet (Forcier) Hourihan. 
 Leo was a clergyman for the United Church of Christ, receiving a Master of Divinity degree in 1972. He served churches in VT, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. One of his favorite quotes was to the effect that the world is made up of stories, not atoms. He considered it a great privilege to be given access to so many stories, particularly in his ministry, but it was a defining interest throughout his life. His sense of humor was evident always. One of the things former parishioners said they missed the most was the sound of his laughter filling a room. 
Leo was a person with broad interests ranging from theology and philosophy to quantum physics and mathematics. He was passionate about poetry and classical music. In his 40’s, he began taking piano lessons and played the rest of his life. Fifteen years ago, he joined a class in quantum physics and was deeply challenged by this study up until the final weeks of his life, a man always engaged and curious. He found joy in walking, swimming, and sailing. Over the years, he and Sheila traveled the world together side by side. 
Above all things, Leo treasured his family and was a dedicated and adoring husband, father, grandfather, brother. Besides his beloved wife of fifty nine years, Sheila (Nelson) Hourihan, Leo leaves a son, Sean Hourihan and his wife Andrea Borges of Dudley, MA; two daughters, Jennifer Peters and her husband Jay of East Kingston, NH and Heather Welch and her husband Jonathan of Amherst, MA; five grandchildren, Jack, Abby, Connor, Grace and Gabriel; two brothers, Thomas Hourihan of Newington, NH, Ronald Hourihan of Greenfield, MA and a sister, Donna Glidden and her husband Roland of Manchester, MA; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother John Hourihan.
A celebration of Leo’s life will be held on Sunday, October 20th, from 12 to 3:00pm, at Osteria Vespa, 28 Amity Street, Amherst, MA. We know that the room will be filled the whole time with memories, but we are planning to have a time of more focused, intentional sharing from 1:00-2:00, and we invite people to share some of their stories about Leo and his place in their lives.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. 
 Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com