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William Leary Obituary
Wappingers Falls - William "Bill" Leary died peacefully on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, following a brief illness. He was 62.
Bill was born in Rosedale, NY, to Denis and Catherine Leary (Brede). The Leary's moved to Wappingers Falls in the late 1960s, where Bill spent most of his life. Bill graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in 1977 and attended Boston College on a football scholarship. Bill was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time in the outdoors with friends.
Bill is survived by his mother, Catherine, his brothers James (Pauline) and Richard (Sharon), and his nephews Denis, Michael, James and Thomas. He is predeceased by his father, Denis, and his brother, Denis; both formerly of Wappingers Falls.
Friends are invited by his family to a Celebration of His Life on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from 2 pm to 6 pm at Arlington American Legion Post 1302, 55 Overlook Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
The family wishes to acknowledge and express sincere gratitude to the medical team and staff of MidHudson Regional Hospital for their outstanding care of Bill, especially those in the ICU Stroke Unit.
Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Leary
Sponsored by Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home.
jeff mccabe
October 26, 2021
Hi Folks...
I was Surfing the NEt this AM ...from Kauai Hi....and read of Bill's passing....Real Sad.......what a nice guy and great friend......played football with Bill in the old DCSL....Dutchess County Scholastic League.... I played for Pk...agianst Bill at Ketchum....they were great !! Of course Bill went off to BC...where i was recruited too....I chose Syracuse....to be closer to Home. I never lost track of Bill...loved the annual Turkey Bowl...at Spratt Park in PK....Ha .... Of course in the 80's...did a little BOUNCING with Bill at Berties....Bill was a big Teddy Bear....just an old Softy !!! Oh Folks I hope this Helps....Onward we all journey in life... and the people you meet....well sometimes your just plain LUCKY...to meet someone like Bill.......May God keep you Bill..... Fondly, Jeff mccabe
Jeff Mccabe
Lihue
Kauai Hi
Timothy McCoy
October 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences to your family. May he Rest In Peace in heaven Gone too soon
Carol Schaefer
August 20, 2021
So so sorry for your loss. I´m sure he is sharing stories with Bob. (Gipper) football. Happy times at Let´s Dance. RIP gone too soon. Prayers and happy memories to your family and friends.
Joel Thomas
August 12, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Leary family. Very sad to hear of Bill's passing, way to soon. Bill's passing has stirred my memory of the great times we had in High School. Bill and I were linked to the success of Ketcham football for four years (1974-1977). Bill and I were fortunate to start varsity our sophomore year and were inseparable for 3 years as the Center and Quarterback. Bill's brother Jim joined us our senior year as a receiver and linebacker. I have replayed many of those varsity games back in my head and realized how great of an athlete he was and how well he protected his quarterback. He was dominant. I still get teased for the pictures of Bill and I standing together in the huddle where he towered over me. I also have a bone to pick with Bill, our Junior year in practice where he snapped the ball to me unexpectedly breaking my finger. It cost me several games which we probably lost. Bill remembers for sure as coach Lynn made him run! .Needless to say we were all proud of him to be able to continue his football at BC. We all will definitely miss Bill and all he has done for us but know he is looking down on us (as he always did). Thanks for everything "Big Red"!!!! Joel Thomas
Jennifer Federer
August 9, 2021
There are no words to express my deepest condolences to the beautiful Leary family, Mrs Leary, Jim & Rich. My heart broke when I heard of the passing of our truly loved bubby. This wonderful, kind, loving, loyal man has left us to join the angels, to join his father, brother and his dog Raider. May he continue to protect and love you all from an area that we can not see, but only imagine that it must be perfect. To know Bill, was to absolutely love him. He was honestly the most wonderful man that I have ever had the pleasure to know. Sending love, prayers, and strength to his family and friends. He will truly be missed.
Michael Mangi
August 9, 2021
I met Bill in the 80's when he worked the door at "Berties". I would always buy him a beer when I showed up, sit and talk to him for awhile, and then go in to spend my evening. I didn't see him for a number of years afterward. I then started to see him just about every St Patrick's Day at Mahoneys. He would always buy me a beer telling me how appreciative he was of me buying him one in those earlier years. He was a good man. I always appreciated him and I will certainly miss him.
Brian T.
August 9, 2021
Brian T.
August 9, 2021
Brian T.
August 9, 2021
Brian T.
August 9, 2021
Brian T.
August 9, 2021
Brian T.
August 9, 2021
"Big Bill" back in the day!
Jim Blue
August 9, 2021
Jim Blue
August 9, 2021
Jim Blue
August 9, 2021
Jim Blue
August 9, 2021
Jim Blue
August 9, 2021
Jim Blue
August 9, 2021
Thanks for the great memories
Rest In Peace
Carol Carney White and Family
August 9, 2021
I was deeply saddened to hear the news about Bill´s passing. His smile lit up the room. Our prayers are with you and family.
Russell Gambino
August 8, 2021
I spent many hours, many nights, working with Bill @ Let's Dance and Bertie's. There were many memorable conversations and more humorous moments than are recallable here... Clint Eastwood film festivals, and other high jinks.
My condolences and sympathy to the Leary family... especially his Mom, Jimmy and Rich... and all our mutual friends; there's a ton of them--- Bill was well known, to say the least!
Cheers, Bill... rest easy now.
--- Russ Gambino
John Evans
August 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Leary family. I have long been proud to count Bill among my friends. He was a giant man with a heart and IQ to match. I can´t imagine not hearing your laugh and your great jokes again. Bill was one in a trillion, to be sure. Rest In Peace, big man. God bless.
George Caruso
August 8, 2021
To Mrs. Leary, Jimmy, Rich and Family- I am so very saddened to have learned of Bill's passing. We go back a long way with good times and a lot of fun and laughs. It has been many years since I last saw Bill, but I have only fond memories of a "Gentle Giant" who was a good man and a great football player! My prayers and thoughts are with you all and May God Bless Bill. ~ George Caruso, Columbus, OH.
Bob Rush
August 8, 2021
Condolences to Bill´s family. I remember meeting Bill on his recruiting trip to BC and following him while he attended the university. I was most impressed and remember receiving a wonderful thank you note. My sincere sympathy. Once an Eagle always an Eagle
Bob
Barb Wallace
August 8, 2021
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Leary and family. Bill, I will always remember our great talks and handshakes. You, playing the piano, will always be a treasured memory at gatherings with amazing friends! RIP my friend! Xoxo
Paul Kutch
August 8, 2021
I knew Bill and his brothers as fellow classmates at Roy C Ketcham. However, I received a chance to know him best while I was working at Birdies restaurant and club, and he was a bouncer. The man embodied strength while demonstrating great restraint - not an easy task! Bill was a true gentleman and most down to earth guy you will ever met.
Paul Abruzzi
August 8, 2021
I haven´t seen Bill since high school graduation, but always counted him as a good friend (and I know I wasn´t alone in that regard!).
So sorry for your loss
Brian Terralavoro
August 8, 2021
I had the honor and privilege of knowing "Big Bill" for over 40 years. We worked together and played football together. I got to know Bill's family well. Although I hadn't seen him in many years, his name would always come up when talking of the "old days". Bill was a true gentleman who stood tall and gave you his honest opinion. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Leary, Jimmy, Richie and all of Bill's family and friends. May you Rest in Peace sir!
Brian T.
Thomas P Docherty
August 8, 2021
Deepest sympathies to the Leary Family. Bill was a great Man with a huge heart; May God rest his Soul.
Matt Heneka
August 7, 2021
Bill, thank you for drinking my homemade beer and giving me fresh Maple syrup. I will always remember you smoking cigars and enjoying time. Rest in peace my friend.
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