Robert E. Leary

Hampton, NH - Robert E. Leary, 93, former longtime resident of Portsmouth, passed away peacefully on April 9th at 6:30 pm. Robert (Bob) was born in 1933 in Manchester, NH. He married his beloved wife, Claire S. Leary, and they were married for 68 and a half years. They moved to Portsmouth in 1966 and resided in Elwyn Park for 56 years. Bob leaves behind his wife, Claire, four daughters, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren: Janet & Greg Michaels and daughter, Miranda Michaels; Sue and Louie Dow and daughter, Rachelle Merrill & husband, Kevin Merrill and their children, Jaxson, Mckenzie and Brielle Merrill, Tyler Dow and wife, Nicole and their daughter, Harper Rose Dow; Diane Withee and children, Michaela Withee, Morgan and husband, Dean Hartnett and Robert Withee; Karen & Dan Coffey and children, Brianna and husband, Jonathan Lindsay, Braden Coffey, Myah Coffey, Caleb Coffey, Jacob Coffey and Joel Coffey. We honor Bob’s dedication to serve his country with distinction in the U.S. Air Force as well as the U. S. National Guard as Flight Chief Master Sergeant. He enjoyed a 40 year career. Bob signed onto the Air National Guard in 1949. He was activated as an Air Force mechanic during the Korean War for 20 months. After the war ended in the mid 50’s he continued as a mechanic for three years. While in this role, his initiative and hard-working spirit was noticed and he was sent all over the country to military flight schools. In 1959, Bob was promoted to a position in quality control. Bob went up to three stripes and made Master Sergeant in the 70s. He was named Flight Chief Master Sergeant of Quality Control in ‘79 and retired a decade later from his 40-year career. In his prime years, Bob loved to bowl with work friends, golf, ski, travel, play whist, and visit with neighbors. He and his wife were members of Saint James Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception Church, both in Portsmouth. Bob was a dedicated husband and father, hardworking, and a faithful provider for his family. Bob was well loved by his family, friends, and neighbors and will be greatly missed by many. Services to be at a later date with dates and times to be announced on the funeral home website.

Robert E. Leary

April 9, 2026