Dennis John 'D.J.' Leary

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Leary, Dennis John 'D.J.' age 84, died at home on Aug. 4, 2021, shortly after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. DJ was the son of John J. and Mary Flaig Leary. Both parents and his brother, Patrick Leary of Marshall, MN, predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Linda L. Wilson; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Theresa Leary of Burnsville, MN; children Timothy J. Leary, Bryan J. Leary (Leslie Ferster), Anne Leary Skenzich, and Kathryn A. Otto; six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. DJ was born in St. Paul, MN, attended St. Mark's Elementary School, and Cretin High School (now Cretin-Derham Hall), graduating in 1954. In 1955, he joined the Navy and served for two years on the USS Dixie as it traveled the Pacific Ocean. Upon discharge, he attended St. Mary's College in Winona for a year, then transferred to the (Hubbard) School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota, where he received his BA degree. He was married in 1961, and for 17 years after his divorce DJ remained a bachelor. In late 1985, he met his wife, Linda Wilson, and they married in spring 1987. DJ worked at a variety of jobs in his early youth to earn money for college and to support his young family, including driving trucks and promoting wrestling matches for Vern Gagne. He started his media career as a radio reporter and disc jockey, creating a new kind of show, "Live Line to Sports" at KDWB, where he delightfully poked fun at local sports organizations. A job with Jeno Paulucci fortuitously led to an introduction to Hubert H. Humphrey and a position as a media advance man for Humphrey's 1968 run for President of the United States. He remained close to Vice President Humphrey until Humphrey's death in 1978. DJ established his own firm, Media Services, Inc., and became a well-respected and influential adviser in politics, journalism, and public relations in Minnesota. He broadened the firm's list of clients to law firms, businesses and trade associations and retired in 2004 with more than 30 clients. In the 1980s he and Wyman Spano started a state-wide, must-read political newsletter, "Politics in Minnesota." DJ was also a commentator for 20 years on "Almanac," a Minnesota public affairs program at KTCA. A firm supporter of community service, DJ served as an adviser, a member, or on boards of directors for dozens of organizations, including the Society of Professional Journalists, the Public Relations Society of America, and Wayside Women's Treatment Center. He served for 20 years on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota State Fair, an organization dear to his heart; he also was a member of the State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense that he thoroughly enjoyed. DJ was known for his gentle humor, his kindness and generosity, his sweetness and his love of his friends and colleagues. He was profoundly loved by his wife and family and he loved them deeply in return. The family wishes to thank the helpful and compassionate services of Our Lady of Peace Home Hospice Care and Carter's Care Private Home Care. Three organizations remained close to DJ's heart, and in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of DJ can be made to: The Class of 1954 Scholarship Fund, Cretin-Derham Hall, 550 S. Albert St., St. Paul, MN 55116; The DJ Leary Fund at the Minnesota State Fair Foundation, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108; or the DJ Leary Fellowship Fund, Fund No. 7518 at the University of Minnesota Foundation, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266. A private family Mass of Christian Burial was held August 14, at St. Frances Cabrini Church. A memorial, at which friends and family can celebrate and reflect on DJ's extraordinary life, may be held at a later date when it is safe to gather.

Published on September 5, 2021