United States Eventing Association

Jack Leary (1954-2015)

John “Jack” Leary, 60, of Lovettsville, Virginia, died Saturday, April 25, 2015, in Burlington, Connecticut. Jack was born October 23, 1954 in New York, N.Y., son of the late Daniel A. Leary and Elisabeth (Mullen) Leary; he grew up in Connecticut and spent much of his adult life in Litchfield. He received a BA in Political Science from Georgetown University, Washington DC, in 1976. Jack began his career in 1976 with Motorlease Corporation, his family’s fleet management company in Farmington, CT. He served the company for nearly forty years in various capacities, excelling in customer service and sales. He became President in 1988, and held that position until his death. He was a member of the Board of American Automotive Leasing Association (ALAA) from 1994-2015. He developed many strong friendships over the years with his colleagues and his clients, and will be remembered for his leadership, intelligence, and great sense of humor.

He married Sara Miller in 2012, and found happiness in his new family life with Sara and her children, Megan and Jason Smallwood, in Lovettsville, and the vacation home they recently purchased in Paradise Island, Bahamas.

As a young man, Jack was a talented and accomplished equestrian, competing at the national level in the sport of Combined Training. Later he lent his expertise as an official, and served the United Sates Eventing Association (USEA) in many capacities, including Chair of the Licensed Officials Committee, as well as the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), judging equestrian competitions across the US and internationally. In addition to equestrian, he had a fondness for bull mastiffs and especially his beloved dog “Freddy.” Jack was an avid historian and maintained an extensive library, with a particular interest in and vast knowledge about the American Civil War, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher. He enjoyed all sports, but especially was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, and his fondest memories included the many trips he took to Yankee Stadium over the years with his dad. Jack travelled extensively, and particularly enjoyed Singapore and the Bahamas.

In addition to his wife and her children, he will be missed and lovingly remembered by his brother and sisters, Dan and Anne Leary III and of East Aurora, NY; Beth and Mike Kandrysawtz of Canton; and Pam Leary and Bob Neal of Burlington; as well as his nieces and nephews Dan IV, Meg, Nora, Conor, Kathy, Eliza, Peter, Julie, Caitlin, James, Jack, Samantha, Caroline and Elisabeth. He also leaves his former wife and good friend, Virginia Leary.

His family will receive friends Wednesday, April 29 from 4-7 p.m. at Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Unionville. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 145 Main St., Unionville. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life or McLean Hospice. For online information, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.