James T. "Terry" Leary

James Terry Leary, known affectionately as Terry to his friends and family, passed away peacefully due to natural causes on April 16, 2025, in West Chester, PA. Born on December 29, 1950, in Bryn Mawr, PA, Terry was a man of wit, intelligence, and immense thoughtfulness, whose presence could light up a room.
Terry proudly served in the United States Navy, an experience that shaped his character. His naval service was a foundational period of his life, leading to a successful career as a Software Engineer at Unisys. There, Terry was well-regarded for his innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. His colleagues remember him not just for his technical skills, but for his humor and the camaraderie he brought to the workplace.
At home, Terry was a devoted husband to his wife, Gail Leary, and a loving father to his four sons, Ryan, Jack, Pat, and Tim. Ryan and his spouse Anna, Jack and his spouse Kristy, Pat and his spouse Jenn, and Tim and his spouse Alison, all carry with them the lessons and laughter Terry imparted. His legacy continues to live on through his grandchildren, Anthony, Caitlin, Molly, Lucas, Erin, Sloane, and Ian, who will miss their grandfather's stories and the gentle wisdom he shared.
Terry's interests were as varied as they were rich. A lover of music, he could often be found listening to tunes on the deck, and his love for golf saw him spending many hours with friends on the course. Bird watching brought him closer to nature's simple beauties, and he was a master at crossword puzzles and Sudoku, often solving them before most had their morning coffee. Over the years, his culinary expertise flourished resulting in regular batches of ice cream, pastries, and breads shared far and wide. As an avid fan of Philadelphia sports, Terry's enthusiasm was both infectious and unwavering.
Those who knew Terry will remember him as a man who could effortlessly combine humor and intelligence in any conversation. His thoughtful nature made him a confidant and friend to many. He approached life with a quiet confidence and a gentle demeanor that drew people to him. Terry was the kind of person who listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, his words were always worth hearing.
In honoring Terry's life, we remember the joy and love he brought into this world. His stories, his laughter, and his wisdom will forever be a part of the lives he has shaped. While we mourn his passing, we also express our gratitude for the time we had with him and the lessons he taught us, which we will carry forward.
A brief military tribute will take place on May 12th at 9:30AM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery (830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940) followed by a celebration of life at Victory Brewing Company at 11:30AM (420 Acorn Ln, Downingtown, PA 19335). We invite family and friends to gather and share their fondest memories and celebrate the man who meant so much to so many.
Rest in peace, Terry, and may your memory be a blessing to all who knew you. Your legacy of love, humor, and wisdom will endure, and the stories of your life will be told for generations to come.