Joseph A. Leary, Jr.

Joseph A. Leary, Jr., age 78, of Cape May, New Jersey, formerly of Grays Ferry and 2nd Street, passed away on April 19, 2026.  Born on July 14, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joseph was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Margaret (nee Blatcher) Leary, Sr.  He lived a life marked by devotion to family, service to his country, and enduring kindness toward all who knew him.

He was the loving husband of the late Patricia (nee Snock) Leary, loving father of Kelly (Robert) Voss and Christine (Bill) McCusker, and the cherished grandfather of Kayleigh (Nathan) Brosius, Kevin, Samantha (Chance) Kelley, William and James. He was also a proud great-grandfather of Cadence, Declan, Cullen, and Finn, each of whom brought him great joy. Loving brother of Peg (the late Joe) Lewandowski, Kathleen (Dan) Brown, his twin brother Jack (Ethel) Leary, and the late Kevin Leary. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember him with love and gratitude.

Joe graduated from Bishop Neuman High School and carried the values of hard work and loyalty throughout his life. He worked for Inolex Chemical Company, where he was respected for his dedication and steady presence. His work ethic and dependable nature reflected the same qualities that defined him in every part of his life. He was known as a man who could be counted on, and his family and friends will long remember his sincerity and quiet strength.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Joe served his country with honor and distinction. His military service was an important part of his life, and he carried that pride with him always. He valued duty, discipline, and commitment, and those who knew him understood that his service was one of the many expressions of his deep sense of responsibility and patriotism.

Joe will be remembered as a loving, friendly, and interesting man whose warmth touched many lives. He had a way of making others feel welcome and at ease, and his presence brought comfort and familiarity to those around him. He enjoyed life in a genuine and thoughtful way, and he shared his humor, stories, and conversation generously. His family and friends will remember him not only for what he did, but for the person he was, a man of character, kindness, and heart.

Though his passing leaves a deep void, Joseph’s legacy lives on in the family he loved so dearly and in the many memories he created over the years. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and friends will carry forward the lessons of love, loyalty, and perseverance that he so naturally exemplified. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with affection and respect.

Joseph A. Leary, Jr. leaves behind a life well lived and a family who will continue to honor his memory. His loved ones take comfort in knowing that his influence remains present in the lives he shaped and the hearts he touched. He will be remembered always with love.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation 10:30 - 11:45 AM, Friday, May 1, 2025 at St. Ann's Church, 2901 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260 followed by his Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM.  Interment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family requests contributions in Joseph's memory be made to Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675.  https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/