Richard "Dick" Charles Leary, Sr.

MIDDLETON – Richard “Dick” Charles Leary, Sr., 82, of Middleton, beloved husband of Florence (Bash) Leary, passed away at home on September 27, 2026 surrounded by his family. Born in Beverly, he was the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Atcher) Leary.

He was raised and educated in Middleton and was a proud member of the first graduating class of Masconomet Regional High School in 1962.

Even in high school, Dick was passionate about cars. That passion became his life's work, and he owned D and S Auto in Danvers with his partner for many years and then spent 20 years as a mechanic at Danvers Motor Ford. He loved Ford vehicles above all others and had a true talent for restoring and repairing them. Nothing gave him more pride than his beloved 1935 Ford truck, which he restored with patience and skill.

Dick's love of cars extended to the racetrack. He often made the trip to Epping, NH, to drag race his 1967 Mustang. He was a longtime member of the North Shore Strokers Car Club, where he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow car lovers.

Dick treasured friendship and fellowship. On the first Thursday of every month, he joined the Middleton Mumblers for breakfast, good company, and plenty of stories. He will be missed by everyone at that table.

Above all, Dick was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great uncle.

In addition to his parents, Dick is predeceased by his step-sons, John Linehan and Jimmy Shortell, and his brothers, his twin Chief David T. Leary, Sr and Robert D. Leary.

Dick is survived by his wife of 43 years, Florence (Bash) Leary, his son, Richard C. “Chuck” Leary, Jr. and his wife Jody of Winslow, Maine, his daughter, Sheila Hubbard and her husband Rob of Rochester, New Hampshire, his step-son, Mark Linehan and his wife Melanie of Salem, his grandchildren, Olivia, Paige, Joseph, Nick, Valerie, Joe, Katie, Billie, Steven, Austin, Dallas, Michael, Mandy, Derek, and Sarah, his nieces and nephews, Joe, Paul, Tommy, Debbie, Dawn, and Dan, many great-grandchildren, and many great nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Friends and relatives are invited to Dick’s funeral service to be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11 A.M. at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple Street, DANVERS. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. Burial to follow at Oakdale Cemetery, 82 Maple Street, Middleton. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.