Francis John Leland, 75, of Somerville, MA, passed away on September 29, 2023 at the hospital in Burlington, MA. He was born on February 16, 1948, to the late Wilbur Leland and Francesca Ghilarducci Leland. Frank was raised in Somerville, graduated from SHS, and proudly lived in the same home in Somerville since he was 9 years old.

Frank had a passion for his Italian heritage. Raised bilingual in Italian, he traveled to Italy regularly to visit family, an experience he treasured and continued with through the pandemic. Overseas, he went by “Gianni Ghilarducci” in recognition ofhis mother. He was fluent in Italian, English, and French. 

An educator at Somerville Public Schools for 36 years, Frank began his career teaching Italian at the Southern Junior High School in 1969. He met his wife, Louise, in a picket line in 1972; they married in July, 1976. Frank transitioned to work at Somerville High School in 1976, teaching in the world language and ESL departments. He rounded out his career as a buildingmaster, retiring in 2005. The year he retired, he handed his daughter Laura her diploma from SHS.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Louise Leland, his daughter, Laura Lieberman, Math Teacher at Somerville High School, and granddaughter, Naomi Lieberman. He also leaves behind his cousins in Italy: Grazia Ghilarducci; and Massimo Ghilarducci, his wife Paula, and their children Lisa and David.

Funeral Services will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Wednesday, October 4th from 1:00-3:00pm with a prayer service beginning at 2:30pm. Relatives and friends invited to attend. A Celebration of Life buffet will follow at Avellino’s in Medford from 3:00pm-6:00pm. There will be a private burial with family on Thursday, October 5th. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Frank Leland will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a fair and transparent educator with a dedication to his community. He taught us to be honest and trustworthy, to always honor our commitments, and to take life’s enjoyments with moderation to better savor the journey. May he rest in peace.