Albert W. Leary

1932 - 2021

Albert W. Leary, 89, Washington, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, with his son and daughter by his side.

Al, son of the late Edgar Look and Frances Leary, nee Colbert, was born May 4, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Coral Gables, Florida, and graduated from Ponce de Leon High School. He received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Tech and later a master's degree in computer science from the University of Missouri - Rolla. In February 1954, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Holbrook, at a dance for the Sky High Club in Atlanta, Georgia. They were united in marriage June 13, 1954, in Decatur, Georgia, and spent the next 65-plus years demonstrating the definition of true love.

Al spent most of his "first career"?as a chemical engineer working for Monsanto, taking early retirement in 1985. He then found his real niche teaching junior college-level computer courses at Thomas College in Thomasville, Georgia, and St. Charles County Community College until his "second retirement"?in 1997. He and Dorothy loved to travel. Some of their favorite destinations included Hawaii; Europe; Pasadena, California, to see the Rose Parade; and Walt Disney World. Any trip that included visits with family were the best! Al had a passion for books. It seems he was always reading something, even listening to books on tape after his vision failed. Swimming was another lifelong passion, whether it be in the ocean, a lake or a swimming pool. He had a beautiful voice and sang bass in the church choir and civic chorus. But by far, his favorite activity was spending time with family.

Among his survivors are his children, Robert Leary and wife Lyn, Columbus, Ohio, and Laura Carder, Washington; brother, Wilson Leary, Georgia; five grandchildren, Michael Leary and wife Brandi, Cincinnati, Ohio, Jennifer Kendall, Fenton, Jamie Glamann and husband Jim, Washington, William Leary, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Allison Nitschke and husband Shane, South Carolina; 15 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Leary; his parents; and brother, Bruce Leary and wife Lyn.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 9:30-11 a.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington, with a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Memorial donations can be made to Mercy Hospice or the Presbyterian Church of Washington.

Arrangements are in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.