Richard J. Leary, 92, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024 surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of the late Winifred M. Leary. He was born on November 12, 1931. He and his sister Judith were raised by a single Mom, Elizabeth (Deegan) Leary, in Waterbury, CT. They lived in a large and loving multigenerational household with his grandmother “Muzzy” and many aunts and uncles. He had a special relationship with his many cousins and their families that lasted a lifetime.
Dick met the love of his life (and cutest waitress) Winnie while vacationing in Hampton Beach, NH with his buddies. A wedding soon followed as did many blessings. By their 8th wedding anniversary they had 7 children and their family was complete a few years later when they welcomed their 8th child. They moved to Meriden,CT to accommodate their family of 10 and lived there for 50 years. Dick and Winnie’s 65 years of marriage built on a foundation of strong faith and love, served as a beautiful example for their children and anyone who witnessed their journey together.
Dick is survived by his 8 children: Kathy Gentilozzi (Mark), Stephen Leary (Mary), Mark Leary, Marty Braun (Peter), Martha Quaratella (Joe), Susan Beaudoin (Rich), Dennis Leary (Kristin) and Jennifer Kelley (Mike).
Dick and Winnie’s legacy of love and kindness grew with the birth of each of their 29 grandchildren: Kristina, Andrew (Kati), Sara, Michael (Courtney), Paul, Jack, Nick, Haley, Erin, Sam, Cooper, Catie, Lauren, Jake, Elizabeth (Derek), Nathan, Austin, Benjamin, Clayton, Dylan, Hannah, Grace, Luke, Rose, Eli, Kaleigh, Sydney, Colleen, Liam and 2 great grandchildren, Wellie and Mozi Leary. Dick aka Papa, delighted in engaging with his grandchildren bringing smiles and laughter with his infamous “corn on the cob” and “thumb trick”. Each felt loved and special.
Dick began his banking career in the mailroom at Colonial Bank in Waterbury. He was known for his strong work ethic, professionalism and care for his customers and fellow colleagues. He retired from Central Bank in Meriden as Senior Vice President but came out of retirement to work part time at Castle Bank where he was able to contribute with his extensive banking knowledge and local relationships. He retired (again) in 2001 and cherished the friendships he made over the years.
An active household did not prevent Dick from contributing his time and talent to his church and community. He was a lector, eucharistic minister and Trustee at St. Joseph’s Church in Meriden. Dick and Winnie were awarded the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation in recognition of their service to the Hartford Archdiocese and community. Dick served as President of the Meriden YMCA, Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. He was Campaign Chairman for the Meriden-Wallingford United Way, Chaired the Special Gifts Division at The Meriden-Wallingford Hospital and was a board member/volunteer of numerous additional organizations including the Franciscan Life Center and The Curtis Home.
Dick had an adventurous spirit and was always “up for anything”. He and Winnie traveled extensively both abroad and across the US, visiting their large family. Dick was an avid theater goer, a movie buff, and loved cheering on his NY Yankees and Giants. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed photography. He was a lifelong learner and not easily intimidated by new technology. He was an early Mac computer owner, had an iPhone and Instagram account and more apps and passwords than most millennials (much to the chagrin of his IT Team aka: grandchildren). An annual family vacation to Cape Cod with his children and grandchildren was a highlight every year.
Dick loved unconditionally and expressed his gratitude often. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm and welcoming presence wherever he went. All of life’s blessings were sweeter with his best girl, Winnie, by his side. Dick was truly “one of the all-time greats” and we will miss him dearly.
We’d like to thank two very special people, Terry Ann and Jackie, who supported Dick and his family.
Dick’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 23rd from 5-7pm at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St, Meriden, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24th at 11am at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Holy Angels Church, South Meriden. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 250 Gypsy Lane, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 Allen Ave, Meriden, CT 06451.
For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com