Francis J. Leary, Jr. M’73
Francis J. Leary, Jr., North Attleboro, MA, died July 9, 2024.
Frank grew up in North Attleboro and attended Saint Mary’s School. He was a 1964 graduate of North Attleboro High School and went on to further his education, earning his bachelor’s degree from Castleton State College in Castleton, VT, before continuing his studies and earning his master’s degree from Saint Michael’s.
Frank began his auspicious career in education at South Attleboro Middle School, now Robert J. Coelho Middle School, in South Attleboro, where he taught English and social studies. He then went on to fill the position that he would become most remembered for, the influential principal of Cyril K. Brennan Middle School in Attleboro, where he was revered by students, teachers, and parents.
Always a steadfast leader and well-dressed consummate gentleman, under Mr. Leary’s direction Brennan came to be known as a Vanguard school, and he mentored countless students over the course of his tenure.
During this time, he also served as the director of the City of Attleboro summer school program and was elected to the Town of North Attleboro’s school committee, becoming one of the committee’s longest-serving members. He retired from Brennan in 2002.
Unable to completely bow out just yet, Frank was welcomed by Providence College in Providence, RI, as a member of the faculty, where he taught classes for the school’s master’s program up until his health declined recently.
A man of strong Catholic faith, he was a longtime communicant of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in North Attleboro, where he served as the chairman of the altar decoration committee, Eucharistic minister, lector, and an integral part of organizing the church’s Christmas fair and supporter of Saint Mary-Sacred Heart School. He was most proud of being awarded the Marian Medal by the bishop of the Fall River Diocese, a true testament to his faith and something that he considered to be one of his life’s greatest achievements.
Although he was extremely career-oriented, Frank was a voracious reader and loved to travel, going on multiple trips to Ireland, many cruises, and various other locations with his beloved Francine over the years. He was also an avid New England Patriots fan and particularly enjoyed rooting for Tom Brady. His favorite times, however, were those spent in the company of his family, especially his nieces and nephews.
His wife, Francine, died in 2020. Survivors include a brother, three sisters and extended family.