Brian Edward Leary
Talented woodworker, owned home improvement business
Brian Edward Leary, 66, of Scotch Plains, N.J., died suddenly on Oct. 31, 2018, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Rahway, N.J.
Family and friends are welcome to gather for a memorial visitation to be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, N.J. For directions and condolences, please visit www.McCriskinFuneralHome.com.
Born in Elizabeth, N.J., to the late William Henry and Margaret Leary (nee Mallen), he was raised in Clark, N.J., and attended engineering college after graduating from Arthur L. Johnson High School.
Brian went on to work for Kodak as a field engineer for many years. He had an inherent talent for woodworking and turned his passion into a home improvement business, operating Brian Leary Construction for over a decade.
He enjoyed doing small wood projects, building sentimental pieces for his loved ones. He cherished the quality time spent with his beloved wife, Diane, whom he adored. Brian was known to have the kindest heart, even in the end, giving the gift of site through cornea donation.
He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Lisa Bogner.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Diane Hope Leary, his Russian daughter, Eveniya Kozlenko, his brothers, William Leary and wife Lois and Jack Leary and wife Angela; he was a cherished "Uncle Lefty" to his many nieces and nephews, he will be missed greatly by his loyal companion, his dog Murphy, and by his extended family and dear friends.