David Philip Leary, 12, of Stewartsville, N.J., entered into eternal life on August 24, 2018.

Born in Allentown, Pa., he is the son of David and Maria DeGraba Leary.

David recently completed the 6th grade at Franklin Township School in Broadway, NJ, and was about to continue his education at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center in New Brunswick, NJ.

David had an infectious smile, belly laugh and an incredible sense of humor which touched everyone who came into his life. Through his challenges, David helped facilitate meaningful change and awareness in the disability community.  David will be greatly missed by his family, friends and school community alike, but he will be forever in our hearts.

He was the grandson of Veronica Simpson and the late Frank Simpson (North Haledon, NJ) and the late Joseph and Irene DeGraba (Exeter, PA.)

Surviving in addition to his parents David and Maria, are his brother Ethan, his Uncle Joseph T. DeGraba and Aunt Lisa DeGraba Dallas, PA., his Aunt Anne Wall and Uncle Donald Wall (Exeter, PA.), his cousins Joey and Megan DeGraba (Tunkhannock, PA), Gianna DeGraba, Dominic DeGraba (Dallas, PA) Christopher Wall and Michael Wall (Exeter PA).

In addition, David’s life was greatly enriched by his aides, teachers, and especially his home caregivers who have become family.  

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday from 9:30am until 10:30am at  the Gubbiotti Funeral Home, LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, PA.,


Funeral services will be at 10:30am followed  by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00am at St. Barbara's Parish in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 224 Memorial St., Exeter.

The Msgr. John Sempa will be the celebrant.

Interment will be in Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery, Carverton, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Baltimore, Inc (www.rmhcbaltimore.org).

To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com