A tribute to the life of Duncan P. Leary

by his family

1953 - 2026

Obituary for Duncan Leary

In arguably the most Duncan Leary way possible, our dad, husband, brother and grandfather passed away unexpectedly on April 1st - April Fools' Day - leaving us all wishing this was one of his classic jokes.

Born in 1953 in Manchester, New Hampshire, Duncan was the eldest of Robert and Patricia Leary's five children, a role he embraced early and carried proudly throughout his life. He loved being a big brother to Sheryl O'Neil, Patti Murphy, Mary Leary, and Helen Dunn and carried immense gratitude for his big, loving Irish family.

His most cherished role, however, was that of husband to his bride of nearly 50 years, Cynthia. Their life together was built on love, resilience, and an unshakable partnership. Whether spending the day at Rye Beach, celebrating holidays or facing more than their fair share of health struggles over the years, they stood side by side through it all. Their relationship is a true testament to enduring love; strengthened by time, tested by hardship, and defined by unwavering commitment.

In 1979, Duncan proudly took on the role of "Dad" with the arrival of his son, Ryan. A few years later, his daughter, Kaitlin, completed the family. As a father, he created a home filled with laughter, sarcasm, and memories that will last a lifetime. From standing on his shoulders at Club State Park before launching his kids into the water, to long days at baseball card shows, Duncan brought energy, fun, and just the right amount of chaos to parenting. He was fiercely loyal to Boston sports and equally passionate about political banter, never shying away from a spirited debate with his family and friends.

Duncan, affectionately known as "Slam Dunc," also had a well-documented love for playing darts, something he was very good at. While his accuracy was impressive, there remains some family speculation that his dart career may have contributed, at least in part, to the multiple shoulder surgeries he endured over the years. He would likely disagree… but we'll let everyone else draw their own conclusions.

Later in life, Duncan stepped into what may have been his favorite title of all: "Papa Dunc." As a grandfather to Sydney Goodwin, Skylar Leary and William and Emmett McCrann, he found a new level of joy. Whether it was playing tea party with "Skyriffic," making special trips to buy baseball cards, or simply sharing an infectious laugh, he showed up with pride, humor, and love, just as he always had. And while he remained a loyal Red Sox fan to the end, he somehow managed to still love his grandsons deeply despite their unfortunate allegiance to the Yankees, never missing a chance to joust with them over the rivalry, a debate he fully expected to win someday.

Duncan also shared a special bond with his beloved dog Fenway. More than just a pet, Fenway was truly his best friend. Duncan's days were built around their routines together, especially their multiple daily walks through Dean Park, where he could often be found enjoying the simple pleasure of fresh air, good company, and a wagging tail. Their companionship was constant and comforting, a reflection of Duncan's deep capacity for love and loyalty.

Duncan lived with a positivity that was truly infectious. He had a gift for finding joy in the simple things and never needed much to be happy, just his family, a good laugh, a lively debate, and maybe a Red Sox game. His sense of humor was constant, his perspective grounded, and his presence unforgettable.

He leaves behind a family who adored him, a legacy of laughter, and a reminder to all of us: life is best lived simply, lovingly, and with a good sense of humor.

Arrangements have been under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532.  To leave a word of kindness or to share a memory, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.