Philip E. Leary

Philip E. Leary, of Bristol, died peacefully at home after a long struggle with dementia.  Although his family is sad, we are comforted to know that he is at peace, free from his daily struggles.  He is reunited and is dancing in heaven with his beautiful wife, Filomena (“the Warden”) Angelillo Leary.  Phil was born in Hartford, CT, on September 3, 1933 and celebrated his 80th birthday last Tuesday.  He was the son of Philip H. and Ellen (Fitzpatrick) Leary, and the step-son of Mary (Levins) Leary.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Filomena (Angelillo) Leary, grandson Kevin Patrick Leary, and his sisters, Ellen (Leary) Saunders and Patricia Leary.  He leaves to mourn his passing his children and their spouses:  Mary Ellen & Robert McFadden, Joe & Tammy Leary, Ann Marie & John Colapietro, Chris & Kathy Leary and Jon & Laura Leary.  He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Megan, Joey, Charlie, Andrew, Caroline, Kate, Lindsey and Julia Leary, and Beth & Jeff Cullins.  Additionally, he leaves several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.  Philip’s life was dedicated to service – to his family, God, his country, his community, his friends, and his career.  He made his living as an accountant, working for several companies including Barnes Group and Pratt & Whitney.  His favorite job was the last one he held – Financial Manager for his son’s firm (The Law Firm of Jon C. Leary).  He made his life serving the greater Bristol community through numerous organizations including Saint Anthony Parish (Trustee, Finance Committee, Parish Council, School Board), City of Bristol (Board of Park Commissioners, Zoning Commission), Kiwanis Club (Director, President, Treasurer, New England Lt. Governor), Salvation Army (Advisory Board, Soup Kitchen Committee Chairman), McCabe Waters Little League (President, Director, Player Agent), A. Bartlett Giamatti Eastern Regional Little League Center (Development Committee), and Bristol Hospital Corporator.  Philip received numerous awards, in recognition of his selfless community service.  In 1985, he was the Bristol Kiwanian of the Year.  In 1989, he was the recipient of the Bristol Boys Club Association Humanitarian Award.  And in 2002, he was awarded the St. Joseph Medal of Honor by the Archdiocese of Hartford.  He served in the Connecticut Army National Guard from 1956 as a Platoon Leader, Company Commander and Battalion Adjutant, until his honorable discharge with the rank of Captain in 1969.   He was a graduate of Niagara University (BBA) in 1955 and received his MBA from University of Hartford in 1971.   With all this service to community and career, Phil still managed to be dedicated to his wife, children and grandchildren, which was his favorite role in life.  Papa’s strong shoulder proved to be the best sleeping spot for his grandchildren.  He walked many miles with a smile on his face as his grandchildren rested comfortably in his arms.  Today he is carrying Kevin Patrick, who has been waiting a long time to meet his Papa.  The family would like to give special thanks to his dedicated caregivers, Dawn Sturgess and Lionel Snow of Infinity Homecare.  We would also like to thank the caring hospice team from VITAS, who gave great comfort to Philip and his family in his final hours.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday (September 14, 2013) at 9 AM from Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, to St. Anthony Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday between 5 and 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s memory can be made to St. Anthony Church, 111 School Street, Bristol CT 06010.  Please visit Phil’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com

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