Obituaries
Former Jaycees Director, Organic Chemist, Ralph J. Leary, Diest at 84
Leary was the former director of the Analytical Research Department at Exxon Research and Engineering in Linden.
The following information is courtesy of Dooley Funeral Home.
Ralph J. Leary, 84, of Toms River, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2013 at home. Born in Elizabeth, he lived in Cranford for 60 years.
Friends are invited to visit 7-9 PM Tuesday and 2-4, 7-9 PM Wednesday at the Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West in Cranford. Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 AM Thursday at St. Michael’s Church, Cranford. Interment in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.
An organic chemist, Mr. Leary had been the director of the Analytical Research Department at Exxon Research and Engineering in Linden at the time of his retirement in 1986. He earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1957, was the holder of 25 patents mainly in the field of high energy propellants, and had published papers in scientific journals. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Organic Chemistry from Seton Hall University in 1951 and worked as a chemist for Merck and Co. in Rahway from 1951 till 1954. From 1954 to 1955, he held a teaching fellowship at the University of Illinois, and then a research fellowship there from 1955 to 1957.
Mr. Leary was a former director of the Cranford Jaycees, served as the chairman of the Cranford Days committee in 1963 and was chosen for the 1965 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, Phi Lambda Upsilon, Sigma X, and the Petroleum and Organic Division of the American Chemical Society. An accomplished target shooter, he was the New Jersey State Rifle champion 4 years in a row.
He was predeceased by a sister, Loretta Nolan.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 61 years, Gertrude (Downey) Leary; 6 devoted children, Maureen Leary (Ken Sekley), Janet Leary, Ralph John Leary Jr., Jayne Caffrey (Robert), Kathleen Markowski (Glen), and Patricia Leary; 14 loving grandchildren, Maegen Brewer, Cassie Leary, Lisa Leary, Bryan Fowler, Connor Sekley, Morgan Markowski, Bridgette Fowler, Dillon Sprowls, Anne Sekley, Devin Markowski, Jordyn Markowski, Katie Sprowls, Cameron Markowski, and Ryan Markowski; 2 beloved great-grandchildren, Trevor Arnot and Jackson Brewer; and 2 sisters, Kathryn Gillespie and Verna Baumann.
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