My dad just died of acute leukemia. he was in his late 70s. is leukemia hereditary?

Usually not : Leukemia in adults is usually not hereditary. Sometimes individuals with other genetic changes such as Down syndrome or a few other mutatations such as one called p53 have an increased risk, but most cases are not linked.

See below: Leukemia is generally not hereditary but having a first degree relative with leukemia may slightly increase your risk.