Obituary: Kevin J. Leary, 75, Of Fairfield

The following obituary is from Spear-Miller Funeral Home:

Kevin J. Leary, age 75, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully Friday, June 16, 2023. Born in Worcester, MA, the son of the late Thomas and Julia Leary, Kevin had been a Fairfield resident for many years. He attended St. John’s Prep and The College of the Holy Cross and received his PhD from The University of California at Berkeley. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Church and the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield. Kevin was a highly intelligent man who could talk politics, history, science and math, but was most content in quiet moments.

During his busy life of working and raising 5 children, Kevin enjoyed walking in the woods, going to the beach in stormy weather, visiting libraries and reading books about mathematics. He always had some of his children with him. He was known for always bringing brownies and cooking world class waffles on weekend mornings.

After many years in the defense industry, he and Bette opened Cardsmart (Aka Leary Card and Gift) on Black Rock Tpke in Fairfield. Kevin could often be found walking or biking to the store.
He leaves behind his wife of nearly 53 years, Bette and his children, Tim (Janine) of Glastonbury, Tracy (Peter D’Arco) of Branford, Jim (Danielle) of Lake Elmo, MN, Kate Russell (Dean) of Southport, and Tom (Caylin Cheney) of Kent, WA; brothers, Tom (Karen) and Brian (Mary); sisters-in-law, Alice Bowen of South Yarmouth, MA, Pat Weathersby of Gales Ferry, CT and Pat Leary of South Yarmouth, MA and many nieces and nephews. Kevin also leaves behind his 12 grandchildren who looked beyond what dementia stole from him and lovingly knew him as Bapa: Laney, Jack, Briggs, Maggie, Annie, Lily, Tanner, Deano, Ella, Connor, Brooks, and Skyler. They will miss his presence. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard and his in-laws Alice and Vincent Bowen.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, June 21, at St. Andrew’s Church, 395 Anton Street in Bridgeport. Interment was private. A reception immediately followed the Mass. Friends and family gathered to celebrate Kevin's life on Tuesday, June 20, at the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kevin’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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