Walter "Bud" Leaver, Jr. Obituary

He was physically large and a formidable man, with a hard and rough exterior, but underneath it all lay a heart of gold. Walter Marshall Leaver, Jr., fondly called "Bud,” 94, a long-time resident of Neville Island, passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of his home on Monday, February 16, 2026. Born on November 6, 1931, in Coraopolis, he was one of two sons born to the late Louise Irene (Seymour) and Walter Marshall Leaver, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in 1996 by his beloved wife for 45 years, Janet (Timmons) Leaver; and his brother the late Richard "Chrome” Leaver. Beloved father of Terry Leaver (close friend, Kenneth Bean) and Marsha Peck (David Kotuby); cherished grandfather of Daniel Peck (Tiffany) and Heather Vultaggio (Jason); also, several great grandchildren. For many years, Bud worked for Teamsters Local 273 and Coastal Tank Lines, until his retirement. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Bud was a doer and an involved person. He was a member of F&AM #630, Doric Lodge, and the Neville Island Presbyterian Church. He was a charter member of the Neville Island Volunteer Fire Dept. where he had served as Fire Chief, was instrumental in bringing in the LaFrance Fire Truck as well as training the Neville Island Fireman in the use of the LaFrance Fire Truck and its life saving liquid foam. Always mindful of his community, he and his brother "Chrome” took it upon themselves to start the first Ambulance Service on Neville Island using their Rambler Station Wagon. Of all the things he was a part of, the most important one was Blue Knights International. During his tenure with the Blue Knights, he rode his motorcycle in the cava lade escort for Pope John Paul II, along with the Sheriff’s Department, when he came to the Pittsburgh Area. The Blue Knights were fund raisers for Make a Wish where they would have quite a few successful Poker Runs. Another way he supported Make a Wish, was gathering and scheduling of all the Blue Knights with their motorcycles to the Make a Wish Child’s home for transport via limousine to the airport to fly to the destination of their wish. Just think how impressive the "Vroom Vroom” of those motorcycles as they escorted that child to Greater Pittsburgh International Airport to their Make a Wish Destination. Bud requested no services. Arrangements by Copeland’s. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations in his name to Make a Wish Foundation.