Leo Patrick Malley, 64, of Kearny, passed away peacefully with his loving family beside him on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Leo married his high school sweetheart and the “love of his life,” Diane (Leadbeater) in 2001 and raised his loving “daughters,” Jennifer (Edward) Bradow, Heather (Chad) Townsend, and Kristen (Washington Eric) Carle. One of his greatest pleasures was taking his “daughters” on trips to New York and out to dinner on Friday or Saturday nights. Leo would let the girls choose how they wanted to spend their time with him to make it the most enjoyable and special. He was blessed with the honor of walking each of them down the aisle.
Leo is predeceased by his parents, Rosemary and Leo P. Malley, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dolores and Jack Leadbeater, and his son-in-law Edward M. Bradow.
Surviving are his siblings: Hugh (Mary Ann), Michael, Kathleen (Richard) Podolski, and John (Lori). Also surviving are his brothers/sisters in-law: Laura Madaras, John (Kathryn) Leadbeater, Patricia Handlin, Alfred (Michele), David (Angela), and Richard Leadbeater. Leo was fortunate enough to become “PAP” and enjoy his four beautiful grandchildren: Michael and Mikayla Bradow, Allyson Jade Villa and Hudson Townsend, all of whom he adored and helped raise. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that he loved very much, as well as his grandpup Roxie Girl.
Leo worked for the Kearny Board of Education for 25 years, retiring in 2005. Leo as a hard-working man with many talents. He loved the military. He was a man of a few words, except if you talked about history. He could tell you every detail of every war and his face would light up as he shared his wealth of knowledge with those closest to him. He loved trips to Atlantic City and the Islands, especially the Bahamas. He enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden every year. Leo had a heart of gold, was such a kind, generous man and helped anyone that he could at any time.
Those fortunate enough to have been a part of Leo’s life are extremely lucky to have been loved by him. He will be deeply missed.
Private arrangements were handled by Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home
