In Loving Memory of Arthur James "AJ" Leasca
Born November 1, 1966 – Passed October 23, 2025

Arthur James Leasca — known affectionately as "AJ" — was born on November 1, 1966, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, to James and Constance Leasca. A lifelong Rhode Islander, Arthur's generous heart, boundless enthusiasm, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

For most of his life, Arthur made his home in Cumberland RI where he was surrounded by family, friends, and community. From 2020 to 2023, he lived at Atria Harborhill Senior Living in East Greenwich, and more recently at the Tower Street Group Home in Westerly, where he continued to brighten every room he entered with his radiant smile and infectious laughter.

Arthur lived a life overflowing with love, laughter, and friendship. His warmth was magnetic — he was loved by all because he loved so easily in return. Whether it was his signature fist bumps for the guys, his endearing greeting to the ladies — "Cupcake, you look beautiful today" — or his mayor-like wave that lit up a room, AJ made every moment a celebration of life.

He found joy in life's simple rituals:

• Saturday hamburger nights with his mother.
• Saturday breakfasts at Eggs Up with Lou and Mom after Fore Court spin class.
• Weekly Target and Starbucks trips at the Lincoln Mall, always ending with a new Matchbox car — never the same one twice.
• Arthur filled his days with purpose through the many communities he embraced:
• A devoted member of St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church.
• A proud Eagle Scout and lifelong participant in the Special Olympics.
• A member of SPRED at St. Joan of Arc Church in Cumberland.
• A lifelong swimmer at Sher-Le-Mon Swim Club.
• A graduate of North Smithfield High School, where he received the care and support of educators dedicated to helping every student shine. AJ also excelled at Lincoln Middle School.
• A loyal volunteer at Bryant University, serving in the Human Resources Department for eight years.
• A passionate fitness enthusiast at Fore Court, where he loved spin class, weightlifting, and boxing.
• An active participant in RIARC (Woonsocket), ProAbility (Smithfield), and Perspectives Corporation (Wakefield), where he was famous for his cheerful weather and safety reports.

Arthur also loved to dance, sing, and bowl — and he treasured his travels with family. His adventures took him far and wide:

• Visiting his sisters Melanie in Dallas and Maria in Switzerland and Baltimore, and his brother Tom and sister-in-law Joslin in Yardley, Pennsylvania, New York City, and their East Matunuck home — always savoring dinner at Matunuck Oyster Bar.
• Spending sun-soaked summers at the Dunes Club in Narragansett and relaxing at the Matunuck beach house.
• Cheering on the Boston Red Sox with Tom.
• Exploring California and visiting family across the country.
• Traveling throughout Western Europe — with special fondness for Switzerland, France (especially Nice), and Greece.
• Cruising the Mississippi River with his sister Melanie.

Arthur was predeceased by his loving parents, James and Constance Leasca. He is survived by his devoted siblings: Melanie Smith of Dallas, TX; AJ's dedicated Guardians Thomas and Joslin Leasca of South Kingstown, RI; and Maria Leasca of Baltimore, MD. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews: Amy Leasca Casey and her husband Conor, Stacey Leasca and her husband Silas Dunham, Angela Rizakos and her husband Chris, Andrew Smith and  his wife Stephanie, and Theo Leasca and his fiancee Krysten Diaz-Silveira; as well as great-niece Frankie Casey and great-nephews Teddy Casey and Henry Rizakos. AJ also shared a lifelong bond with his extended family — the late Chick and Lucille Rocheleau, and their sons Jeff and his wife Linda Rocheleau and Paul "Cop" Rocheleau and his wife Lisa Rocheleau — who loved him as their own.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to celebrate Arthur's life, at visiting hours to be held on Sunday, October 26th, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in the O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland.

His Funeral Service will take place on Monday, October 27th at 10:00 AM in St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church, 501 East School Street, Woonsocket, where he was a devoted member.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Perspectives Corporation and may be left at the calling hours or with a member of the family. Please include "In Arthur's Memory" on the memo line so that gifts will be directed to the Tower Street Group Home in Westerly, where Arthur was so deeply loved and cared for.

Arthur's life was a radiant testament to kindness, gratitude, and joy. His spirit reminded us that love, when given freely, multiplies without end. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.