Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late William and Margaret (MacDonald) Leary and was a longtime resident of Fall River.
A hard worker for the entirety of his lifetime, he was a longtime employee for the Department of Environmental Services for Massachusetts with much time also spent in the Food Industry.
A lover of all thing’s sports, Richard especially loved watching the Patriots and Red Sox. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and donating to many organizations during his time here on earth.
He is survived by his six children, Trevor Rose of Fall River, Andrea Leary and her fiancé Derek Rodrigues of Fall River, Shannon Leary and her fiancé Jason Elliott of Fall River, Madison Souza and her husband Daimes of Westport, Richard Leary Jr. of Fall River and Elexis Leary of Fall River; nine grandchildren, Landin Rose, Gavin Rose, Brennyn Rodrigues, Alexandrea Rodrigues, Aden Ferreira, Emma-Lee Ferreira, Matthew Desa, Wesley Souza and Brooklyn Souza; brothers-in-law, David Charette, Patrick Russell and Keith Santos; sister-in-law, Marie Santos; his former wife, Dorothy Dussault as well as several nieces and nephews. Richard was the brother of the late David Leary and Dale Charette.
His Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Visitation prior from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be private. Contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park St., Attleboro, MA 02703.
