Joseph F. Leary, Jr. – A Tribute

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph F. (Joe) Leary, Jr., President Emeritus of the Irish American Partnership.

Joe was a founding pillar of the Irish American Partnership, assuming the role of President and CEO and faithfully serving in this capacity for 28 years until his retirement.

A passionate advocate for a peaceful and prosperous Ireland, Joe tirelessly worked to connect Americans to their Irish roots by championing economic and educational initiatives across the island. Throughout his tenure, the Partnership allocated more than $25 million to educational and community programs, benefitting schools and initiatives across Ireland, North and South.

A true Irish American, Joe traced his family heritage to Inchigeela in West Cork where his great grandparents met in 1863, subsequently moving to South Boston in 1870. Joe was an active member in Boston Irish circles, graduating from Boston College in 1959, and writing a monthly opinion column for the Boston Irish Reporter for many years.

Joe’s influence and guidance have left an everlasting imprint on the Partnership and the wider Irish American community. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a bastion of the Irish American community and my close friend and mentor, Joe. It is hard to believe he is gone, but his dry sense of humor, quick wit, and unending love of Ireland will live on in our fond memories. My thoughts are with his family and friends as they celebrate the life of a dedicated and passionate ambassador for Ireland and irreplaceable member of the Boston Irish community.”

– Mary Sugrue, Chief Executive of the Irish American Partnership