Obituary: Bill Leavy passes away after decades as NFL official, San Jose policeman and firefighter

Bill Leavy, a retired police officer and firefighter in San Jose and a longtime NFL referee, has passed away. He was 76.

Leavy worked as an NFL official from 1995 to 2015, then became a referee supervisor for the officiating department and a treasured mentor for officials around the country. He received the league’s 2019 Art McNally Award reflecting professionalism, leadership and sportsmanship.

Leavy died Tuesday, three days after his birthday, the NFL confirmed on Wednesday.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Leavy, a longtime NFL referee and a current member of the league’s officiating staff,” NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Walt Anderson said in a statement. “Bill was an outstanding official and an even better man. Always kind and thoughtful, Bill was instrumental in mentoring countless young officials throughout his career.  His recognition as an Art McNally Award winner highlights that selfless dedication to officiating.  His integrity earned him respect at every step of his football journey and the entire officiating community mourns his loss.”

He worked 15 NFL playoff games and two Super Bowls. Promoted to referee in 2001, he worked Super Bowl XL in February 2006, after which he acknowledged errant calls in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Seattle Seahawks. “It left me with a lot of sleepless nights, and I think about it constantly,” Leavy told reporters in 2010.

A Santa Barbara native and San Jose State graduate, Leavy retired 25 years ago from working for the city of San Jose, first as a police officer and then as a firefighter. His officiating career started on the Santa Clara Valley high school circuit before moving onto the collegiate and professional levels.