Thomas Raymond Leary: The husband who faithfully loved his wife. The daddy whose greatest gift to his girls was his presence. The Papa who found joy in spending time with his grandkids. The police officer who treated every person with dignity. The friend who always called back. The discipler who opened his Bible over another cup of coffee. The follower of Jesus whose answer, whenever anyone praised him, was always the same: "It's all Jesus."

Thomas Raymond Leary, 73, of Spring Hill, TN entered the presence of Jesus on July 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Tom was born on July 14, 1952 in Indianapolis, IN to James and Doris Leary. The oldest of six siblings, he enjoyed the responsibility of a paper route at a young age, and loved participating in boy scouts. His family moved to Pinole, CA when he was thirteen. Tom graduated from Pinole Valley High School, where met the love of his life, Debbie Gabelini.

Following his graduation from San Francisco State University, he worked as a Sheriff’s Deputy and Investigator at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and then proudly served as Senior Inspector for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for the remainder of his career. There, he was known for his relentless pursuit of justice, steadfast work ethic, and perpetual effectiveness. Following his retirement, he spent a few years as a contract investigator for a local law firm, representing police officers.

Tom married Debbie on June 10, 1979 and they shared 47 beautiful years of marriage. He genuinely enjoyed his family, and was at his happiest when he was at home with his wife and three girls. He loved camping in the California mountains, cooking delicious meals after being inspired by a trip to Italy in 2006, and reading theology and biographies about heroes of the faith. Tom loved serving the church–he taught adult Sunday School, and served as a deacon and an elder, but he was most passionate about discipling men one-on-one with an open Bible over a cup of coffee.

He is survived by his loving wife; his children: Melissa Cunha of Port Angeles, WA, Brianna and son-in-law Ryan McCulloch of Columbia, TN, and Kristina and son-in-law Doug Richmond of Thompson’s Station, TN; his ten cherished grandchildren; his father: James Michael Leary; his siblings: Patricia Stutte, Theresa McGrath, Michael Leary, Daniel Leary, and Timothy Leary, and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his dear mother, Doris Ann Leary and his precious granddaughter, Alexia Rose Richmond.

Throughout a decades-long battle with cancer, Tom was an example to everyone around him as he depended on the Lord for strength and perseverance. God sustained Tom and his family through many difficult diagnoses and treatments. When others would marvel at his joy in spite of his circumstances, he shared his faith and hope in Jesus.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 25, 2026 at 1:00pm at Parkway Community Church in Fairfield, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Pregnancy Centers of Middle Tennessee (https://www.pcofmt.com).

Tom’s family takes great comfort in the promise of Christ that death is not the final word and gives thanks for the hope of the resurrection.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)