LEARY, Robert Milton, "Bob", aged 87, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully and gracefully surrounded by his family on June 18, 2025, at his home. Robert was born in Waterville on April 3rd, 1938, to the late Milton and Katherine (Grenier) Leary, of Fairfield. He is the oldest of nine siblings: eight rowdy brothers and one lovely sister. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School, class of 1958, where he participated in many sports including football, track, cross country, and basketball. Following graduation, Robert joined the Air Force and served honorably from 1958 to 1962. He completed his basic training in Alabama and went on to school in San Antonio, Texas. He was finally stationed at Loring Air Force base where he finished out his military career. Robert married Yvonne Daigle on February 23, 1963, and had a wonderful and loving marriage for 48 years. They had one son, Michael, and resided on the quiet dead end Keyes Street in Fairfield for 62 years. Robert began his career in the oil industry as a young man, first for Leroux Oil and then for Downeast Energy for over 20 years as a manager. During this time, his love for football propelled him into a 23-year-long coaching career, as well as serving on the Fairfield town council, volunteering at the polls with his wife, and serving in the Waterville Rotary Club. Following his short retirement at 65 (for 3 weeks), he took a job with Marston Cash Fuel in Oakland which eventually became Fabian Oil. He worked as a dispatcher with Fabian for over 20 years, often referring to his co-workers and customers as his friends and family. He truly loved his job and stated many times that working gave him purpose. Robert finally retired in December 2024 at 86 years old. He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including racquetball, golf, he enjoyed watching and giving coaching tips to many fighters in his son Michael's boxing gyms, and spending time with his family. He had a joyful and loving personality. Robert's pride and joy was his family; his granddaughter Brianna Leary was the light of his life and spent many years making wonderful memories with her. In jest, Robert used to say, "If I knew how fun grandchildren were, I would've had them first!". In 2020, his son Michael became a grandfather or "Papa" and Robert became a great grandfather or "Pup" to Fia. Fia and "Pup" quickly became the best of friends, often seeing each other every day after school. Robert was truly a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother who never wavered in his unconditional love, support, and guidance. During the last ten years of Robert's life, his son Michael moved back into his childhood home to help with daily tasks. Michael often says he was so grateful for the chance to give back to his father, who had given him so much throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Robert is predeceased by his beautiful wife, Yvonne Leary, brothers, Roland Leary and Reginald Leary and sister-in-law Debbie Leary. Robert is survived by son Michael Leary and partner Karen Beaulieu; granddaughter, Brianna Leary and partner Ethan Beach; great granddaughter, Fia Beach; Brothers, Raymond Leary, Ronald Leary and wife Hazel, Russell Leary and wife Beverly, Richard Leary, and Roger Leary, sister, Dodie Poulin and husband Guy; sister-in-law Kathryn Leary; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Our family would like to thank Beacon Home Hospice for the compassionate care as well as all of Robert's co-workers and customers at Fabian Oil who made his life so full and busy. A graveside service will be held at The Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Augusta located at 129 Blue Star Ave. in Augusta, Maine, on Tuesday, July 15 at 12 p.m. A celebration of Robert's life will be held directly following the service at the Fairfield Community center located at 61 Water Street in Fairfield. We encourage everyone to bring pictures, memories, or stories to share.