Robert George Leary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” G. Leary, 84, of Flagler Beach, Florida on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Bob was born on March 26, 1939, and grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut with his mother, the late Elizabeth Leary (Connelly). Bob graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1957 and was an all-around athlete, relishing his time playing basketball, baseball, and football.

Following high school, Bob served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged with an SP4 rank. Spending significant time in Japan and in the demilitarized zone in Korea, he recalled serving alongside some of the most spirited and brave men he had ever met in his life.

Bob became a journeyman photoengraver after his time in the armed forces. His work included color photo engraving for publications such as Life magazine, National Geographic, The New Yorker, and Sports Illustrated in addition to many other publications.

He married Kathryn “Kathie” Murphy of Danbury, Connecticut, and the two relocated to Southbury, Connecticut where Bob established a painting and wallpaper-hanging business that he successfully owned and operated for over 40 years. Although they loved their home nestled in the woods, they fell in love with the idyllic charm of the seaside and moved to Narragansett, Rhode Island. While there, they raised their two children, fostering a love of New England life. They hosted numerous gatherings with family and friends, serving corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day and delicious lobster dinners during the summertime in their Bonnet Shores home. Additionally, Bob and Kathie owned the Sweet Nut Shoppe in the Wakefield Mall in the 1980s where he perfected his confectionary talents with hand-crafted chocolates.

After enduring their last of the New England winters, Bob and Kathie moved to Palm Coast where they resided in a beautiful home on the Matanzas Woods Golf Course for over 20 years while continuing to entertain family and friends with poolside barbeques. After Kathie’s passing in 2021, Bob ventured to Flagler Beach and lived out the remainder of his life in an oceanfront property reminiscent of his Narragansett days.

Bob is survived by his son Mark (wife Nina), of Farmville, Virginia; his daughter Beth Curran (husband John), of Jacksonville, Florida, and three grandchildren: Aidan, Kate, and Sarah Curran as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial mass will be held at San Jose Catholic Church Parish Center at 3619 Toledo Rd Jacksonville FL, 32217 on Thursday, May 18 at 6 pm. A private family gathering for his interment will occur at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Leary family.