Obituary of Jeffrey S. McCartney

Jeffrey S. McCartney

1951 - 2024

Jeffrey (Jeff) McCartney, 72, of Leonia, passed away peacefully at home on February 18. He is the beloved husband of 48 years to Robert (Bob) Leap and cherished father to their daughter, Emily McCartney-Leap. Born and raised in Fairview, NJ, Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Robert (Buddy) McCartney and Joan Juliano McCartney Daniel; stepfather John Daniel; brothers Robert (Bobby) and Douglas McCartney; and “adopted” grandparents Sol and Sadie Epstein.

Jeff spent his early career working in the publishing industry and later became a fundraising/development specialist for institutions like the Museum of Natural History, The Guggenheim, and Bank Street College of Education. A firm believer in “giving back” to his community, Jeff’s civic involvement included his participation on the Leonia Board of Adjustment and serving several terms as President of the Leonia Board of Education.

One of Jeff’s greatest pleasures was being a member of The Players Guild of Leonia for many years, where he made many lifelong friends and had the opportunity to exercise his passion for theater and music. As a Guild member, he is best remembered for directing a number of major productions including “She Loves Me;” “Annie;” “Damn Yankees;” “Bye, Bye, Birdie;” and “As the World Goes Round.” His greatest contribution to the Guild was leading the fundraising effort to secure the finances and resources needed to convert the dilapidated Civil War Drill Hall into the Players Guild’s permanent home and performance space. Jeff also applied his theatrical expertise as chair of the Theater Ministry at St. John’s Church in Leonia, where he engaged members of the parish of all ages in staging secular and religious productions, most notably “The Sounds of Christmas,” “Lessons and Carols,” “America Sounds It’s Music,” and “The Living Stations of the Cross.”

Jeff will be remembered by family and friends for his willingness to step up and pitch in whenever someone was in need of help. His strong faith and resilience gave him the courage and fortitude to always be hopeful in fighting his illness.

Friends will be received on Thursday from 4-8 pm at the Frank Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street Fort Lee.  The funeral will leave on Friday 10:30 am for the celebration of his funeral mass in St. John’s RC Church (Leonia) at 11 am.  For further information call (201) 944-0100.