Name: Visitation for Daniel Charles Leary
Start: 2020-10-06T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-10-07T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Passalacqua Funeral Chapel

Daniel Charles Leary
April 27, 1939 - September 29, 2020
Resident of Martinez, CA
Daniel Charles Leary, 81, of Martinez passed away at his home after a brief illness, on September 29th, surrounded by his family. He had been a resident of Martinez for over 50 years. Dan's parents, Louis and Patricia (Clyne) Leary, lived in Vallejo when he was born on April 27, 1939. His brother, Patrick Donlon, was born five years later. The family moved into the Clyne family home in Benicia when Dan was 12 years old. Dan attended St. Basil School and then St. VincentFerrer High School in Vallejo, graduating in 1957. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from St. Mary's College in Moraga.

After graduating from St. Mary's, Dan served the country in the Army Reserve for five years. At the same time, he started his teaching career as a middle school teacher first in Pittsburg (St. Peter Martyr School) and then Benicia Unified School District. Dan spent 32 years in the Walnut Creek School District as a teacher and later as an administrator. When he retired in 1995, Dan was the Principal of Walnut Creek Intermediate School. For the last 15 years, Dan was a substitute teacher in the Martinez Unified School District, working past his 80th birthday.

Dan and his wife, Linda (Bentley) were married in 1963, enjoying a 57-year marriage. They have four children--Daniel, Neil, Katie and Jim—who provided them with 13 wonderful grandchildren. His family was his first and foremost priority. Dan was actively involved in caring for his grandchildren after he retired, never failing to lend a helping hand or miss a game or a performance. Grandpa will be so missed by his family!

Religion was very important to Dan. He was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. Dan led religious education classes for youth of the church when his children were attending the classes.

Starting in 1972, Dan officiated high school football, basketball and softball. Refereeing was a way for Dan to give back to the youth of Contra Costa County. He did that for almost fifty years with expertise, dedication and grace, earning the respect of thousands of student athletes and their coaches. Dan was a Past President and longtime Corresponding Secretary of the Contra Costa Football Officials Association. Dan was inducted into the Contra Costa Basketball Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2011. Dan also officiated softball, football, and basketball games for local adult leagues. He used his Irish charm and good humor to keep even the most challenging players, coaches and fans in line and engaged in competitive fair play.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Daniel (Carolyn) Leary Jr., Neil (Kathleen) Leary, Katie Leary (Paul) Carnazola and Jim (Laura) Leary and his grandchildren Andrew, Julia, Joe, Grace, Anna, Luke, Natnael, Mason, Daniel, Seth, Matthew, Teddy and James. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis Daniel Leary and Patricia Edna (Clyne) Leary and his brother Patrick Donlon Leary.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, 901 West Second Street, Benicia. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, at St. Dominic's Church, 475 East I Street, Benicia. Burial will be private. Please visit the online tribute at www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com

In lieu of flowers, please honor Dan by making a donation in his name to: Monument Crisis Center, PO Box 23973, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or by visiting monumentcrisiscenter.org/donate-now
Passalacqua Funeral Chapel 707-745-3130
www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com

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Published by East Bay Times on Oct. 4, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Leary

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

12 Entries

A J “Jere” Whitten

October 9, 2020

Mr Leary was my sixth grade teacher at Buena Vista Elementary in 1969-70
He coached us in flag football,basketball and baseball. I still remember when you brought a television into the classroom during the World Series
You never forget your best teacher. Thank you. May God bless you and yours Daniel C. Leary.

Terry Curtola

October 6, 2020

I met Dan in 1949 as the first students at St. Basils Grammar School and throughout our high school years at St. Vincent's Ferrer High School in the Class of 1957. We shared two undefeated basketball seasons at St. Basils Grammar and then he continued to excel at St. Vincent's. Over the years we lost contact, but every 5 years our friendship would renew at our 5 years reunions. He will always be a wonderful part of my life. I offer my love and sympathy to his family. He was one hell of a guy. RIP my friend............Terry Curtola

Jim Shipe

October 6, 2020

Dan was one of the best High School Football Referees, as a coach he made the game so much more enjoyable. I also was fortunate to have umpired many softball games with him over the years!! Good Man will truly be missed!!!! I am blessed to have known him. RIP Dan Leary

Ryan McKeon

October 5, 2020

Dan was one of a kind. I am so Honored to have known him as a friend, a fellow football official and a fellow Middle School Administrator. He will be Missed.

Debra Lopez

October 5, 2020

He was a young lay teacher to my 8th grade class at St.Peter Martyr School in Pittsburg..1964? In reading the obit I’m pleased to see he succeeded and excelled in his profession..our class sure didn’t make it easy for the young teacher. To this day we reminisce about all the pranks he endured trying to teach our sassy class! Great memories! May he Rest In Peace in his heavenly home.

Fred & Dayle Kerstad

October 5, 2020

Dan was a wonderful guy always a great fun person to by around a true Gael Pat Leo and I were very close and Dan was the big brother. God Blessed him and us with his friendship.

Bob & Claudia Moelk

October 4, 2020

We were classmates of Dan from the days at St. Basil through 12th grade at St. Vincents. I played football with Dan and Claudia and I have been friends for over 60 Yrs. Dan was a great guy!!