Michael “Mike” Maguire Leary Sr. passed away May 31, 2023, at his home in Raleigh. Mike was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan but lived locally for so long that he claimed to be a Raleigh native. A graduate of Ravenscroft High School, Mike became a proud Eagle Scout before attending Appalachian State University. His university studies were put on pause while he honed his culinary arts in his roles as line cook, sous chef, and eventually kitchen manager at North Carolina establishments including the Grove Park Inn, TGI Fridays, TK Tripps, and the North Ridge Country Club. Mike later returned to Appalachian State and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University, Cum Laude.

Mike was a serial entrepreneur starting multiple businesses during his life. In 1995 he founded his most successful and enduring business, La Conexión Spanish Language Newspaper, which continues to be North Carolina’s oldest continuously published Spanish language newspaper still in print. Mike began a successful real estate practice in 2006 specializing in investment and residential transactions that weathered the economic downturn when many others left the business.

He fell ill with diabetes and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2010, which caused him to lose the feeling and function of his legs and arms. Through dogged determination and an iron will, Mike persevered through the illnesses regaining functionality in his arms and partially in his legs eventually returning to work and establishing himself as a highly successful building supplies salesman.

Mike, always an avid reader, loved a spirited discussion on nearly any topic. He juggled, he camped, he did crossword puzzles in pen, and he always felt the world was right when he was driving a pickup truck with a dog in the back. Mike had a lifelong passion for German Shepherds and provided a great home to many rescued dogs over the years.

Mike is survived by his two sons, Michael, Jr. (20) and Robert (16); his mother, Helen McMahon Leary; sister, H. Ryan Lanier (Dustin); brother, Matthew L. Leary (Vanessa Ayarza); and a host of other relatives and friends. Mike also left behind Aengus and Hans, his steadfast German Shepherds, and Hunter the Leopard Gecko.

Services will be held on June 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes at 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh, NC 27608.  

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