Arthur William Leary, 83, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully on April 6 after a courageous battle with coronary heart disease. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, as well as a successful businessman. His life was marked by a deep love for his family, unwavering dedication to his career, and a passion for golf and world travel with his wife, Jane.
Arthur was born and raised in the Woodlawn neighborhood of New York City, the son of the late Cornelius C. and Mary (Whalen) Leary. He was the cherished husband of Jane (Vilardi) Leary, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. They met as teenagers on a blind date, beginning a love story that spanned a lifetime.
His early years were grounded in service and community. Arthur was an altar boy at St. Barnabas Church and a proud Boy Scout. He attended Manhattan Prep and went on to study at Manhattan College for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
Arthur’s professional journey was rich and varied. He began his career in sales with the Beechnut Baby Food Company, then made a bold career shift by joining the New York State Police. Missing his hometown and Jane, the love of his life, he returned to New York City to join the NYPD, serving as a patrolman in the South Bronx. He rose to the rank of sergeant and concluded his law enforcement career with the Manhattan North Narcotics Division.
After retiring from the NYPD, Arthur embarked on a second career in the financial industry. He moved his family to Boston and became an insurance agent with John Hancock, then a financial advisor with IDS. He later joined Ameriprise, where he advanced to Vice President of Risk Management.
Arthur was known for his deep love of family, his loyalty to friends, and his devotion to his beloved Dachshunds. He especially enjoyed playing golf with his son, Michael, and was proud of their shared victory in the D flight at The Country Club of Farmington Member-Guest tournament. He also shared a love of animals with his daughter, Andrea, and the two often volunteered together at the POA animal shelter on Tuesdays, followed by dinner.
A long-time member of The Country Club of Farmington, Arthur was passionate about golf. He also had a refined appreciation for great food, a good bottle of red wine, and a glass of Irish whiskey or bourbon. He and Jane traveled extensively, with Italy holding a special place in their hearts.
Arthur is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his son, Michael James Leary, and his wife Denise of Upton, Massachusetts; his daughter, Andrea Marie Leary of Newington, Connecticut; and his cherished granddaughter, Cameran Jane Leary.
He will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. Arthur’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Visiting hours in the Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Home 619 State Road, Plymouth, on Wednesday April 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. with a prayer service at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers at https://t2t.org.