Michael "Mick" John Leary

Michael “Mick” John Leary passed away peacefully at home in Butte, Montana, on April 19, 2025, just days after celebrating his 86th birthday. Born in Butte on April 8, 1939, Mick lived a life marked by unwavering faith, a dry Irish wit, and a deep love for his family.

Mick graduated from Boys’ Butte Central in 1957. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served as a Military Police officer from 1963 to 1965. A man of tremendous work ethic, Mick began delivering newspapers at the age of 8 and continued to work until his retirement in 2001. He spent many years as a pipefitter with the Anaconda Company and later worked as a Central Processing Technician at St. James Hospital.

A devoted member of the Catholic Church, Mick’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football—though he often lamented their losses. He was an avid bowler for many years.  Trips to Salt Lake City to visit his sister Mary Jo and cousin Jean were always a highlight. Mick never passed up a good buffet, with Pizza Ranch and Chuck-A-Rama topping his list of favorites.

Mick met Beverly Jean Albert from Anaconda at the It Club in Rocker in 1964.  Mick was a great dancer in his day!  That meeting was the start of a lifetime of devotion and love.  Mick and Bev married on July 10, 1965.  They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary in July.  

Mick leaves behind his wife of 59 years Bev, children Mick (Jeni) Leary of Helena, Karen (Dale) Reynolds of Butte and Chris (Jamie) Nielsen of Reno, Nevada, sister Mary Jo Leary and cousin Jean (Dennis) Shaw of Salt Lake City, Utah, sisters-in-law Sharon Leary and Kathy (Warren) Dodge, grandsons Kahner Leary, Reilly (Sarah) Leary, Noah Reynolds (Briley Maloughney), Dale Michael Reynolds (Maci Okrusch), Gian Reynolds (Elise Rule), and Zacary (Sierra) Miller, great grandchildren Aspen Leary, Baylor Leary, Boden Leary and Paxton Miller, and his cousins Brytni Previsich and Jack Henry.

Mick was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Catherine Leary, brother James Leary, grandson Tyson Benson, in-laws Stan and Julie Albert, sister-in-law Donna Mitchell and aunts Winifred Venner, Sister Jean Marie Reilly and Sister Catherine Lorraine Reilly.

Mick’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Stillwater Hospice and Butte Silver Bow Fire and Rescue.  In lieu of flowers please send donations in Mick’s name to the Butte Rescue Mission, Butte Central Education Foundation or donor’s choice.

Mick’s funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, April 25, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Butte with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.  A reception will follow immediately after the mass.