Keohane Funeral Home

Stephen Michael Leary, age 60, of Dorchester and formerly of Everett, died suddenly of natural causes on Monday, November 23, 2020.

Born on June 3, 1960, Stephen—known by many as Sunny Beam for his shaved head and big smile—was raised in Everett and is the son of the late Joseph and Jeanne (Dunn) Leary and brother of the late Kevin Leary, who died in 2008. Stephen graduated from Everett High School with the Class of 1978.

Stephen is survived by his daughter Alaina Lavoie and her wife Macey Lavoie; his nieces and nephews Nicole, Lauren, Robbie, Pete, Sam, Naomi, Rose, Nathaniel, and Jasper; his cousins Janice, Betsy, Shelley, Geno, and Pat; his brother-in-law Ronnie and wife Karen; his sister-in-law Maggie and husband Peter; dear extended family, including Helen and Bob, Jackie, Nancy, Frank, Bethany, Nia, Nick, Ryan, and Little Pete; his grand-cats Blue and Gansey; and many friends. Stephen is predeceased by his late wife Patricia M. (Kearns) Leary, who died in 2004 and his cousin Jody, who died in 2012.

Stephen spent every weekend of his childhood summers at his family cottage on Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire. For many years, he worked at Northeastern University and as a cab driver, before using his decades of sobriety to become the manager of a sober home in Dorchester. He loved the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Stephen was quick to share generosity and kindness with everyone he met, and especially with the frequent beneficent of his mischievous wisdom, his daughter Alaina.

Following cremation, a Celebration of Stephen’s Life will be held at a future date to be announced when it is safe to gather in person. In honor of Stephen’s memory, blast his favorite band The Black Crowes or “Rockstar” by Nickelback at top volume. Make a root beer float, watch the Showtime television series Shameless, and skip all the commercials.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Stephen’s name to She Recovers or  To Write Love On Her Arms P.O. Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902. Stephen would love for any memorial donations to be made in his and his late wife Patti’s names, as he often did.

Although we cannot gather together with Stephen’s family at this time, friends may still offer their support by sharing a special memory or message by clicking the link above.