Former NFL referee Bill Leavy -- who helped officiate Super Bowl XXXIV and Super Bowl XL -- died this week ... league exec Walt Anderson confirmed on Wednesday.
He was 76 years old.
Anderson did not reveal a cause of death ... but told Football Zebras in a statement that Leavy "was an outstanding official and an even better man."
"Always kind and thoughtful," said Anderson, the NFL's senior vice president of officiating, "Bill was instrumental in mentoring countless young officials throughout his career."
Anderson added, "His integrity earned him respect at every step of his football journey and the entire officiating community mourns his loss.