Richard J. “Dick” Leary, age 74, of Marion and formerly of Mount Gilead, died Sunday evening, April 29, 2012, at the Grant Medical Center following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
On May 16, 1937, Dick was born in Bangor, Maine, the son of the late John and Margaret (Mars) Leary.
Shortly after high school, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1958 to 1961 as a cook, while he was stationed in Germany.
Upon his honorable discharge, Dick moved to Mount Gilead to work in the oil and gas industry. While there, he married Karen Williams on May 1, 1965, in Cardington. He also went back college at the Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Using his degree to become a social worker, Dick worked in the correction’s system for the State of Ohio for over 17 years until he retired in 2000. He worked at the Marion Correctional Institute, the Ohio State Reformatory, the Mansfield Reformatory, and lastly was a unit manager for the State Prison System. A man of many interests, after retiring from the prison system, Dick followed his dreams of joining the circus, working for Barnum and Bailey’s and driving the tiger’s truck. He also worked at the Worthington Christian Center, helping get the elderly from place to place.
Dick was a proud member of Mensa, the American Legion in Whitehall, and too many other organizations to be able to name them all.
With a love for the open road, Dick died doing what he loved most…riding his motorcycle. He loved being out and about, and his motorcycle helped give him the freedom he wanted to come and go as he pleased.
Energetic even in his 70’s, Dick was always active and on the go. He also loved being there for others, which is what led him to become a social worker.
He will be missed by his wife, Karen Leary of Marion; three children: Mark (Judy) Leary of Marion, Marielaina (Jeff) Kanniard of Cardington, Shannon Leary of Marion; three grandchildren: Jessica and Marissa Leary, and Kent Kanniard; two sisters: Mary Jane Parrillo, and Peggy (John) McCabe, both of Rhode Island; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Leary.
The Leary family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Patrick N. Kelly officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), Central Ohio Chapter, P. O. Box 232, Grove City, OH 43123. Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Dick’s family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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