Matthew W. Leary, age 65, succumbed April 13, 2016, at St. Paul's Villas nursing facility of pre-existing diabetes and newly found cancer. 

Born Sept. 19, 1950, Matt was the son of James and Norma (Ehrhart) Leary, Jamestown. He was a graduate of Jamestown High School, an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener, softball player, loved dogs, cars and making his special chili for family and sometimes local fund raisers.

After the diabetic loss of his legs, Matt, proficient in using his artificial ones, and was an inspiration to other amputees. Previously, Matt was a Greenville Record Argus photographer and darkroom technician, 10 years a printer pressman at Victor Printer, Sharon. He also worked for Moreland Propane Gas Company, Livingston Meat Packing, Walnut Creek Golf Course and Csonka's Service Station, all of Jamestown. 

He attended Jamestown United Methodist Church. A devoted Sunday School member of strong faith, he studied religious prophecy, enjoyed music of noted singers, Western and comedy movies , chess, humorous comments, visiting others and National and World news information.

He was adamant wanting to sincerely thank all for the heart warming, generous attention, support and kindness given him by family, friends, neighbors, visiting nurses, hospital, hospice, and Agency of Aging teams and St. Paul's staff during his current illness.

Cards, visits, food, flowers, gifts, transportation, videos, phone calls, blankets, reading materials and loaned medical equipment were gratefully appreciated, helpful, and proved how loving Jamestown and area people continue being. 

Matthew is survived by his parents, brother Nathan and his wife, Becky, their children, Ethan, Paige, and Cameron Leary of Greenville. Sisters-in-law Barbara Harper Leary, New Castle, formerly Diane Leary, Cranberry Township. Nieces Meghan Leary Firster, husband Shawn and son Colton Firster, Cranberry Township, Kate and Colleen Leary, Arizona and Texas. Also cherished aunts, an uncle and many cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Tim Leary of Slippery Rock and then New Castle. 

Matt requested cremation and no formal funeral or service. A memorial is planned and will be announced later. Arrangements are with Loutzenhiser-Randall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 416 Liberty St., Jamestown, PA.

Instead of flowers, donations may be given to one's favorite charity or animal humane organization.