John “Jack” Leary Jr, 79, a lifetime resident of East Haven passed away peacefully at Branford Hospice. Just four months away from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, Jack was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Cook “Lisa” Leary. Father of Brian (Colleen) Leary of Milford, Kathleen (Chris) Roberge of Monroe, Michael Leary of Greer, SC and son-In-law Steve Minnick of Monroe. He was predeceased by a daughter Maureen Leary Minnick. He is also the proud grandfather of Sara, Patrick, Ryan, Jack, Henry and Sean. Born on September 6, 1938, Jack has a brother Bob (Carol) Leary, sisters Sandi Edwards and Joanne (Richard) Cripps. He was predeceased by his parents Helen Clancy Leary, John Leary Sr and baby brother Brian Thomas Leary.Jack graduated from Hopkins School in 1956. He is also a graduate of Fairfield University (1962) and the University of Connecticut School of Law (1967). He also served in the US Army in active and reserve duty. As a young man, Jack worked for New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. After graduating from law school, Jack practiced law with Heffernan, Leary and Gibson. Later Jack pursued his love of teaching as a professor of Legal Studies at Quinnipiac University for over 20 years. During his time at Quinnipiac, he served as Faculty Senate Chairperson, NCAA Scholastic representative, among other advisories and boards.Jack has always been involved in his hometown of East Haven, his community and most importantly, his church. He served as East Haven Town Attorney from 1975-1985. Until his passing, he was the East Haven Representative for the Regional Water Authority. He was a very active member of the East Haven Rotary Club where he helped develop and chaired the public safety awards, an award given to a member of the East Haven Fire and Police Department each year for their service to the town. Jack was passionate about the East Haven Rotary Clothe the Children program, helping youths have warm clothes for the winter. He is also a New Haven Boys & Girls Club Alumni and Gold Ring Recipient. Jack had very deep faith and a wonderful relationship with Jesus. He always found time to help his church from his involvement with the Knights of Columbus to being Chairman of the Parish Council, as well as being a Catechism teacher for many years. Jack’s family is also very grateful for the prayers and support through the years from the Our Lady of Pompeii Church Parish, especially the Morning Mass family.Funeral will leave the East Haven Memorial Longobardi – Brennan Funeral Home, 425 Main St., East Haven, 203-467-1708, Monday morning at 9:30 for a funeral mass at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, East Haven at 10 am. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the East Haven Rotary Clothe the Children Campaign at East Haven Rotary, 12 Oak Hill Drive, East Haven CT 06513. Jack drew great satisfaction from seeing the youth of East Haven have warm clothes for the winter.
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