William "Bill" Leary Jr. died Friday, September 25, 2009 in Lompoc.

Bill was born in Clementon, NJ on October 12, 1921 to Agnes and William Leary. He was raised in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Penn State and University of Pensylvania, where he majored in mathematics, and competed in football and gymnastics. During WWII he volunteered to join the US Navy. He attended Officer Candidate School, earned his wings, and went on to become a test pilot in the Navy, flying seaplanes and rescue helicopters in the Pacific during WWII and the Korean War. He earned numerous medals for heroism and meritorious service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for a rescue mission of downed Navy pilots under heavy enemy gunfire.

Bill came to Lompoc in 1958 when he was assigned to Pt Arguello Navy Missile Facility. He retired from the Navy in 1964 after more than 20 years of service. Bill enjoyed a second career with Martin Marietta Corp at VAFB, where he served in Public Relations and Community Affairs, coordinating activities between the civilian community in Lompoc and the US Air Force at Vandenberg. Bill was honored as Man of Year by the Lompoc Chamber of Commerce, and to commemorate his service on the Military Affairs Committee, Leary Park was dedicated at VAFB in 1984. Bill was active in the Lompoc Valley Club, the Elks, the Rotary Club, and fly fishing organizations. His hobbies included fly fishing, golf, story-telling and "verbal sparring" with friends and colleagues.

While in the Navy, Bill met and married Teney Grandjean. They were married 65 years. Bill is survived by his wife Teney, of Lompoc, daughter Diane Leary, of Fresno, CA, son Dr Tim Leary, of Menlo Park, CA, and two grandsons, Ryan and Keegan Leary.

A mass for Bill, offered by Msgr John Fitzgerald, will be held at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 3495 Rucker Rd, Lompoc, at 11am on Friday, October 2, followed by a reception at the Village Country Club. Donations can be made to California Trout.