SOUTHWICK – Francis Austin Leary, 66, (1956 – 2022) passed away at home on October 23, 2022; surrounded by his loving family, and with “Living on a Prayer”.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Francis came to Southwick when he was four years old. He graduated from Southwick High School. Francis worked with mentor and forever friend, Tom Machietto, at the Southwick D.P.W. in the 1970’s, and later at H.P. Hood (1993 – 1995) in Suffield, Connecticut.
An avid BINGO player in Southwick, his family would like to extend their greatest thanks to the wonderful Southwick Grange BINGO community.
Francis is predeceased by his mother Margie Leary and his brothers Ronald Leary, Sr. and John Leary. He is survived by his sisters, Debra Leary (Debra was also his “caretaker” ) of Southwick, Christine Duerr of Southwick, Janice Mahon of Sebring, FL, Oleta Baca and husband Joseph, of Bedford, Texas; his brothers, James Leary and his wife, Mary Leary, of Winter Haven, FL, Daniel Leary and his wife, Cathy Leary and Thomas Leary, all of Southwick, and a sister-in-law, Lilli Leary of Georgia.
Francis also leaves behind his many nieces and nephews, who will always cherish the care and support he provided to each of them all through his life.
His wit, love and laughter will never leave us.
Friends may call from 4:00PM – 7:00PM on Friday (October 28, 2022) at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick.
Funeral ceremonies will begin at 9:30AM on Saturday (October 29, 2022) from the funeral home. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick. Francis will be laid to rest in the New Cemetery, Southwick.
A special thanks to Franny’s oncology doctor, Doctor Iyer; and nurses Lindsey, Lisa, and Patty, all of the Mercy Oncology Center. All donations may be made to Sister Caritas Cancer Center, Mercy Medical Center, 271 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
In his words “See ya later Hey.”
