Community rallies to support outstanding labor and community leader

By Rand Wilson

Over 1,000 people crowded into the Firefighters' Florian Hall in Dorchester last Friday to honor Jerry "Judgie" Leary who passed away after a valiant battle against cancer and give support to his bereaved family.

Leary was a telephone worker, lifelong Dorchester resident and well-known neighborhood guy.  As a union activist and Vice President of IBEW Local 2222, he won the admiration of his co-workers during the legendary four month NYNEX strike and many subsequent battles with its successor companies Bell Atlantic and Verizon.

"The event far exceeded our expectations," said Donna Bohan, a Verizon Inside Tech and Local 2222 mobilization committee member who coordinated the event.  "It was by far our largest and most successful fundraiser."

Pictures from the fundraising party may be viewed by Clicking Here.

"I was really impressed with the wide range of people that came out for Jerry," added Donna.  "Who knew that he touched so many people from every walk of life?  In addition to hundreds of our members, there were lots of labor leaders, politicians, sports coaches, people from his neighborhood as well as a few CEOs and business leaders.  And I was especially happy to see so many of Jerry's kids friends."

"It was really great to see so many veterans of the 1989 strike," said Myles Calvey, a lifelong friend of Jerry's and Business Manager of Local 2222.  "I know Jerry would have especially enjoyed that part of the party."

All of Jerry's family -- Gayle and his six children and two grandkids -- attended the gala event.

Afterwards on behalf of the Leary family his son Jimmy wrote, "We are finding comfort everywhere we turn.  It was quite evident on Friday night that my father was a man that many people loved and cared for.  When I walked in the room, it was handshake after handshake and hug after hug.  It was very comforting to myself, my mom and the rest of my siblings.  My Father was watching over all of us and smiling down on us Friday night.  My Dad was the best a son or daughter could ask for.  From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all for the support, love and generosity.  Friday night was a night we will never forget spent with all of you wonderful people remembering my Dad.  We will cherish it forever."

A large committee of volunteers worked hard to make the party more than an enjoyable evening.  Working their networks of friends, local unions and area businesses, over 60 major auction items and over 100 raffle prizes were donated.  Hundreds of local unions, community organizations, phone company garages and individuals contributed to a very moving 150-page testimonial book With the auction, raffles and more than 50 table sponsors over $100,000 was raised to support the family.  His wife Gayle has said that she hoped to use the money for tuition and education related expenses.

For more about Jerry, I recommend two articles: "Requiem For A Heavyweight, Telephone Labor Division," by Steve Early and "A tribute to 'Judgie'," by Ed Forry. 

Jerry's legacy won't be forgotten.  The Local 2222 COPE Committee is considering making an annual award in his honor and a memorial golf tournament is planned for October 15.  For more info, visit the Leary Family Fund website at: http://www.learyfamilyfund.com.