James Leary Obituary

On July 6, 2025, CPT (MA) James "Jake" Francis Leary III, of East Providence, RI, completed his two-and-a-half-year fight against an incurable condition. Jake passed in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family and beloved dog, Tito.

Born on July 3, 1995, to James and Kristen (née Brown) Leary in Norwood, MA, Jake grew up in North Attleboro, MA, where he made lifelong friendships on the athletic fields, in the classrooms, and playing guitar with his friends. A three-sport athlete (football, track, and lacrosse), a high-achieving scholar, and a lover of both metal and country music, he was a versatile student graduating in 2013 from North Attleboro High School.

Jake attended Seton Hall University in Orange, NJ, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. Jake's love of extracurricular camaraderie extended into his college years, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and a distinguished member of the Pershing Rifles, a military fraternal organization. Jake excelled in ROTC during his final years at Seton Hall, where he was commissioned as an Officer of the United States Army in 2019.

While Jake's dedication to service was born during his collegiate years, it transitioned to a passion for leadership upon commissioning. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Massachusetts National Guard and was a highly respected leader within his battalions. He served in the 1-182 Infantry as a Medical Operations Officer, then transitioned to the 182nd Medical Company as a Field Medical Assistant and completed his service with the Medical Command Unit. Jake was called to active duty during the pandemic, where he performed in a top leadership role in organizing COVID-19 protection initiatives for the state.

Jake embodied the sentiment of "living for the moment." His quick wit and humorous storytelling will be deeply missed by his loved ones. He was a lover of taking spontaneous trips, attending concerts, visiting his sister in Dallas to indulge in Texas college football & BBQ, and spending Saturday mornings on a golf course with his dad, where he cherished the memory of witnessing his father's first hole-in-one.

Jake is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, James Francis Sr. and Florence Leary of Canton, MA. Jake is survived by his maternal grandparents, Ines and David Altemose of Bradley Beach, NJ, Buz and Martha Brown of Boulder, CO, his parents, James Francis Jr. and Kristen Leary of North Attleboro, MA, his sister and brother-in-law, Kayla (Leary) and Sean Desmond of Dallas, TX, his loyal German Shepherd, Tito, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

Please do not send flowers. Jake was a strong advocate for servicemembers' mental health initiatives. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Til Valhalla Project by donating to Stop Soldier Suicide to contribute to a cause that was so dear to him. https://stopsoldiersuicide.org.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend Visitation with Military Honors on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Transfiguration of the Lord Parish - St. Mark, Stanley Street, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

There will be no public funeral cortege from the funeral home prior to the commencement of the Funeral Mass.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery and Arboretum, Mount Hope Street, North Attleboro, MA.

All are invited to attend a Celebration of Life to be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Heather Hill Country Club, 149 West Bacon Street, Plainville, MA.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com. 508-695-0200