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Pete Leary Obituary

Paul "Pete" Richards Leary

December 31, 1940 - December 23, 2014

Raleigh

Paul "Pete" Richards Leary, born on December 31, 1940, passed away on December 23, 2014 at age 73. Pete was a singer, songwriter, yodeler, storyteller, humorist and political activist. He worked as a Santa Claus and as a Saint Patrick's Day leprechaun. He was also a founding member of the Democratic Men's Group in Raleigh. Pete was the loving father of Jason Leary and brother of John Leary. He also leaves behind many friends including those at UUFR, SUUSI, SWIM, UCONCI, several Santa groups, The Democratic Men's Group, O'Malley's Irish Pub and numerous others. Pete brought happiness to many lives and will be greatly missed. Public services will be held at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 3313 Wade Avenue Raleigh, NC 27607 on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 3 o' clock p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UUFR, Shelter Neck UU Camp, SWIM or SUUSI.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Jan. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Pete Leary

22 Entries

Russ Patterson

January 6, 2024

Lots of us enjoyed Pete´s singing and love of life. He and I decided to "crash" the King Mango Strut in Coconut Grove the Sunday after Christmas. Parade officials let us in and Pete was a big hit!

Hugh Tousey

February 2, 2015

Will miss you and your entertaining messages for our UU Fayetteville congregation.

January 19, 2015

I will always remember Pete as being the only friendly person I met at UUFR my first time there, and for saying that he missed last Sunday's service because he did "the holy rollover." Funny guy.

Ruth Gustafson

January 18, 2015

I first met Pete at one of the St. Patrick's Day parades in Raleigh. We would stand around talking until it was our time to move forward onto the parade route. Afterwards, we Scandinavian Vikings (who much earlier on settled in Dublin, by the way) would party together with Pete at a restaurant downtown. Pete was a flirtatious, but harmless, leprechaun who was so much fun! Our Swedish group, Carl Larsson VASA Lodge invited Pete to our annual "Sven" Patrick's Day party for several years, where Pete's spontaneous bantering with our Sven Patrick made the evenings ones I will always remember with delight. Being a New Yorker, like Pete, I enjoyed our conversations and times together. On behalf of the Scandinavians in Raleigh who enjoyed Pete's presence, I will quote the Irish blessing, "...until we meet again, may God hold you, may God hold you in His hand." And to quote the Irish again, "May you be long enough in heaven before the devil knows you're dead." You will be deeply missed, you special man, Pete! My sympathy to your son, Jason.

January 18, 2015

I enjoyed our musical collaborations. Your talents, your music and your warmth will be missed.
Frank Princiotta

Mark Tucker

January 17, 2015

I was blessed to have known Pete. He was always in a good mood and his joy of life was infectious. His kindness and love of music and life in general was an inspiration to me and many others lucky enough to have met him. He will be greatly missed.

BJ Smith

January 16, 2015

Pete, I miss our dinners, movies and long conversations. What a kind and gentle soul.I'm a better person for knowing you.

Amy Benevento

January 15, 2015

Pete was so kind for lending me his Santa suit years back for my karate school's Christmas Party. I'll always remember his kindness.

Barbara and Dick

January 14, 2015

Dear Pete, Our favorite song of your vast writings is still "I Ain't Gonna Let You Go Hungry". It epitomizes your hospitality and compassion for everyone. Thank you for being a dear friend.

Vonnie Hicks

January 14, 2015

Pete-we have been friends for 35 years, through music, SWIM, SUUSI, parties, and work projects. It is hard to believe that I will have only your recordings to hear your voice. Safe journey, dear friend.

Sally and Bob Kadle

January 14, 2015

Such a kind spirit and a wonderful neighbor Pete. You will be missed.

Tom Copley

January 13, 2015

I will miss you dear friend! I will always remember those great parties you hosted at your home in Raleigh.

Charlie West

January 13, 2015

I'll never forget our wild ride to General Assembly in Cleveland in Pete's superannuated live-in van! Took me a while to figure out that persnickety stick shift.
Quite an experience!
Charlie West
Wilmington & UCONCI, now Florida

January 13, 2015

Pete, You have had such wonderful ideas to share with your fellow UUs in UCONCI and Shelter Neck! Your dedicated service, both physically and musically will be a part of us always.

Carol and Gerald

Diane Withrow

January 13, 2015

Renaissance man- songs, jokes, love in action. There are those that are " a lot of smoke but no fire". Pete- you were and are pure flame. You have no idea how many lives yours has touched and deepened. A life well lived.

Yuri

January 12, 2015

I will miss your hugs, songs and stories. I appreciated your advice and help on all matters.

Jane Hunt

January 12, 2015

Dear Pete, we will always remember "Its Hard To Be Sad When Your Singing" and the practicality and humor of "Duck Tape" and "You Have Got to Prime the Pump" and your classic tribute to Jason "I Will Give You Roots and Wings". Thank you for all the gifts you gave us.

Lisa

January 12, 2015

Aw, Pete, you and your songs will be sorely missed! Thanks for bringing some light into our lives.

January 12, 2015

I met Pete at No Shame in Carrboro and loved his warmth and his songs.

Allen Bergal

January 11, 2015

Dear Pete, I will miss you. I fondly remember you finding me at every swim or suusi to share a slice of your special banana bread and a great big hug. You will live in my memory till we perhaps meet again.

Candy Gale

January 11, 2015

Dear Pete, My friend for over 30 years, your songs still play in my head and I think of you often. It was a privilege and an honor to have known you. May you rest in peace.

Phoenix Cockerham

January 11, 2015

Pete, my encourager and comic, will be missed. Here's to my Summer Santa Leprechaun! Knowing and loving him from SWIM and SUUSI.

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