Longtime GOP Registrar Honored By Farmington Leaders

FARMINGTON, CT — The recently retired Republican registrar of voters received a warm ovation and lots of smiles by the Farmington Town Council recently, as local leaders honored him for his years of service.

Edward "Ed" Leary served as the town's GOP registrar from 2000 until last year, when he retired, giving way for current Farmington Republican Registrar of Voters Ann Newbury to take over.

On Jan. 10, the town's highest elected body, in bipartisan spirit, honored Leary for his years of service helping to facilitate democracy during ever-difficult times.

"Ed has been in the registrars office since 2000, the only registrar we've had this millenium," said Farmington Town Council Chairman C.J. Thomas, a Republican. "He's been a tremendous help and a tremendous asset to the town."

All council members smiled and applauded after Thomas read aloud Leary's life story as a longtime Farmington resident and public servant.

In 1973, according to the proclamation, Leary moved to Farmington when he was named a financial analyst for Stanley Works in New Britain. In 1993, he became assistant treasurer there.

Meanwhile, Leary also served his community, including stints as a trustee for the Farmington Village Green and Library Association and as treasurer for the Farmington Historical Society.

In 2000, he became a registrar, playing a huge role in election operations until 2022, when he retired.

He's been married to his wife, Kathy Leary, for 58 years and has three children and six grandchildren, according to the proclamation.

"The Farmington Town Council hereby commends Ed Leary for his excellent work on behalf of the voting community and we hereby thank him for his selfless dedication and immeasurable contributions and commitment to the Town of Farmington and its residents," reads the proclamation. "The Farmington Town Council hereby extends to Ed and his wife Kathy, best wishes on their future endeavors."

After the council honored Leary, state Rep. Mike DeMicco, D-Farmington, honored Leary as well, unveiling a legislative proclamation from all of Farmington's representation in Hartford honoring him.

Taking the podium, Leary gave a simple explanation while summarizing his time working for Farmington's community overseeing local democracy.

"I'll just condense it down to 'I'm lucky,'" said Leary. "I'm lucky for the people I work with because they helped along the way, training me, teaching me, correcting me, volunteering and that made the job both lively and fun and it builds your confidence.

"And that's what I will carry out of here, that feeling of good will."

For the minutes of the Jan. 10 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.