Catherine J. Leary

Catherine J. Leary, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 28, 2025.

Catherine was born on June 21, 1937 in Jamaica, NY, to the late Hermann and Anna Brede. She was raised in Laurelton, NY, where she met the love of her life, Denis J. Leary. Catherine and Denis had four sons, all born in Queens, NY. In the mid-1960s, they moved their family to Wappingers Falls, NY, so that Denis could pursue his career at IBM, and they could build a loving home in the Hudson Valley. Catherine spent most of her life in Wappingers Falls.

Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Denis, her sons Denis and Bill, her brother-in-law Peter Olive, and her sister-in-law Catherine Leary. She is survived by her sons Jim (Pauline) and Rich (Sharon); cherished grandsons Denis (Kayla), Michael, James, and Thomas; and her dear sister Anne Olive. Catherine also leaves behind her niece Christina Caputo (Frank), nephew Raymond Olive (Dorene), grand-nephews Logan, Frankie, and Matthew, and grand-niece Olivia, all of whom she adored.

Catherine was a lifelong sports fan, and her favorite pastime was watching her sons, grandsons, grandnephews and grandniece play ball. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and was an avid bowler. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and simple joys. She brought warmth and humor to every gathering and will be sorely missed by all that were privileged to know her.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will take place on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 2-4 pm at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. Her family will also host a graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 19 Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls, NY, at noon on Monday, December 22, 2025, where she will be buried with her husband, Denis. Friends are invited to join her family as they celebrate Catherine’s life at either event.