Wayne Leary

Obituary for Wayne W. Leary

Wayne W. Leary, beloved husband, brother, stepfather, uncle, and friend, went home to the Lord on September 24, 2025. Born on March 15, 1959, in Pennsauken, New Jersey, to William Henry Leary Sr. and Gloria (Gantt) Leary, Wayne grew up in Camden surrounded by the love of his family.

Wayne attended the public schools in Pennsauken, where he also played for the PYAA Little League football team. He later went to Woodrow Wilson High School and continued his love for the game by playing football there, building lifelong friendships along the way. After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. He lived each day on his own terms, always with passion, joy, and a heart full of love.

Wayne accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in 2018, a turning point that changed his life forever. Wayne received an understanding of his role as a disciple and to love God with all of his heart. He grew in his faith, taking many classes to draw closer to God, and served joyfully at his church as a greeter. Wayne learned to love his wife unconditionally and they grew together in the Word as they attended church, feeding off the Word and most importantly applying the Word. He loved people deeply and made everyone feel welcome with his warm smile and kind spirit.

Wayne was very protective of his family, especially his wife Chrissy. He always provided for her, giving her everything she wanted just to see her smile. His wife never wanted or needed anything, as Wayne took pride in caring for her in every way. He was also a confidant to many, always ready to listen and offer wisdom. Although Wayne did not have biological children of his own, he poured his heart into his many nieces and nephews, creating fatherhood for so many. He was also a proud and loving stepfather, embracing that role with devotion and care. He showed by example how to live life to the fullest every day, teaching invaluable lessons to those blessed to know him.

Wayne adored his wife, who was the love of his life. He would often dance with her in the kitchen, reminding her that God knew exactly what He was doing when He brought them together. Their love was deep, irreplaceable, and everlasting.

Wayne had a very special relationship with Uncle Gary. Wayne shared a very special bond with him that was unbreakable and rooted in love.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Christina M. Leary, his siblings William (Shelly), Clara (Willie), Wallace, and Carol (Mark), his stepchildren and grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who cherished him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Gantt Leary; his father, William Henry Leary; and his brothers, Strutt Leary and Raymond Leary.

Wayne will be remembered for his smile, wisdom, kindness, generosity, and the way he lived each day with passion. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be missed forever by all who loved him.