Stephen M. Leary

Stephen M. Leary, resident of Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 70. Born in Melrose on July 28, 1951, Steve was one of three children of the late Joseph A. and Jewel (nee Booth) Leary. He grew up in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1969. He excelled at playing baseball in school and developed a true love of the game that he carried with him throughout his life. Upon graduating from high school, Steve took a job at the telephone company. Shortly after he started his career there, he joined the Coast Guard Reserves and went off to basic training. Upon his return, he continued his career at the phone company retiring in 2021 after 51 years. He loved his job and made numerous lifelong friends. He volunteered to help restore service after Hurricane Katrina, and after natural disasters ravaged Southern California. While he loved working, he was truly devoted to his family. Everything he did, he did for the betterment of his sons, and later his grandchildren. He was exceptionally active in their lives. He was a curious man who loved to learn, and he taught his children the importance of lifelong learning. He enjoyed Broadway Musicals, especially Fiddler on the Roof, and Jesus Christ Superstar, reading about WWII history, singing showtunes, watching baseball, Seinfeld, and crossword puzzles. He also was able to travel to Rome and England with his brother, and Disney with his grandchildren. He was very much a Renaissance Man. Steve's strength, sense of humor, and devotion to duty and his family will be missed. The lessons and interests he passed on to his children and grandchildren will live on through them. Steve was the devoted father of Stephen M. Leary, Jr. and his wife Antonella of Jupiter, FL, Joseph D. Leary and his wife Debra of Nashua, Timothy A. Leary and his wife Trisha of Southampton, and Brian C. Leary and his wife Jennifer of Wakefield. Dear brother of Janis Mastrorillo and her husband Roger of Melrose, and the late Michael J. Leary. Cherished grandfather of Jacob, Simon, Abbey, Sarah, Jack, Alexa, Ryan, Matthew, Aubrey, Taylor, Zachary, Lucas, and Emma. Relatives and friends will gather to honor Steve's life during visiting hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, Dec. 22 from 4-8pm (Masks Requested), and again on Thursday at 9:45am before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, 46 Myrtle St., Melrose for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 11am (Masks Required).