John W. “Jack” Leary, Deputy Chief, Braintree Fire Department, Retired, age 88, of Braintree, died suddenly, Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

John was born in Medford, to the late Eugene J. and Helen (Walsh) Leary. Raised and educated in Medford, he was a graduate of Medford High School, Class of 1955. He later earned an Associate degree in Fire Science.

He lived in Braintree for the past sixty-two years.

Jack served in the United States Army during the 1950s.

He was proud to be a member of the Braintree Fire Department. He was appointed to the department in April of 1962 and retired as a Deputy Chief in June of 1999 after thirty-seven years of service.

Jack was a past Commander of the Braintree American Legion Post 86, and past President of East Braintree Little League. He enjoyed playing poker and pool with his friends at the post. He also enjoyed golfing at Braintree Municipal Golf Course where he was proud to be Club Champion in 1996 and founding member of “Leary’s Raiders” weekend golf group.

Jack and his late wife, Phyllis, loved to travel and took many cruises, including trips to Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, Ireland, Scotland, and Europe.

Beloved husband of the late Phyllis Ann (Nash) Leary.

Devoted father of John W. “Jack” Leary, Jr. and his wife Betty of Stoughton, Daniel J. Leary and his wife Cindy of Londonderry, N.H., Michael F. Leary and his wife Mary of Sandwich, and Thomas M. Leary and his wife Karen of Rockland.

Loving grandfather of Ryan, Patrick, Sean, Kevin, Stephen, Emily, Christine, Caitlyn, and Allyson.

Cherished great grandfather of Arya.

Dear brother of Eugene Leary, Patricia Crowley, Francis Leary, and David Leary.

Jack is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Visiting Hours will be held at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Sunday, January 5, from 2 – 5 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Funeral Services will be conducted at the funeral home on Monday, January 6, at 10 a.m. Interment, with military honors, to follow at Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Special Olympics Massachusetts, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 or at www.specialolympicsma.org.