Obituary of Paul B. Leary

Paul B. Leary, 95, of Freehold passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Brooklawn, raised in Newark, and was a long-time resident of Old Bridge. Paul spent some of his retirement in North Carolina and returned to New Jersey in 2018. He honorably served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II. Paul worked as a Manager for Dicta Phone for 25 years and for Old Bridge Township School System as Custodian for 18 years. He was well traveled, and his children have very fond memories of station wagon trips. Paul was a dedicated man of faith, kind and humble. His character can be best described as patient, loving, and accepting of others. Paul was fun, loved to laugh, dance, and was very adventurous. He was a Rams fan through thick and thin. Above all, Paul was a devoted husband and family man.

He was predeceased by his beloved first wife, Diane Dube. Paul is survived by his wife of 36 years, Patricia Leary of Freehold; children, Maureen Cochran and her husband, Phil of Toms River, Kevin Leary and his wife, Mary of California, Colleen Beynon and her husband, Daniel of North Carolina, and Kathleen Gossman and her husband, Joel of Florida; 5 step-children, Edward Ross and his wife, Jennifer of North Carolina, Michael Ross of Freehold, William Ross and his wife, Nicole of South Carolina, John Ross and his wife, Pamela of Tinton Falls, and Laura Wolf and her husband, Chad of Arizona; 18 grandchildren, Jaclyn, Brittany, Joelle, Casey, Cody, Devon, Danny, Jordyn, Brendan, Madison, Kaitlyn, Connor, Ciara, Olivia, Ethan, Tanner, CJ (predeceased), Scott, and Emily; and 4 great grandchildren.

A gathering of friends will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Funeral Home at 9:30 AM for the procession to his 10:30 AM Funeral Mass on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Inurnment will follow in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Smart Home Program, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com