Sitcom Writer Bob Colleary 1928-2012

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Robert M. "Bob" Colleary, 82, of Santa Barbara, Calif., formerly of Montclair, died on Sunday, Jan. 8, in Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Montclair, Mr. Colleary graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. After serving in the U.S. Army, he enrolled in The School of Radio & Television to learn TV production. His first job was holding cue cards for the television show, "Hopalong Cassidy," and soon thereafter started writing its lead-ins. He impressed a young Bob Keeshan, whose own show, "Captain Kangaroo," was about to premiere. Mr. Colleary would become the head writer for more than 20 years, earning a Peabody Award.

He moved to California in 1977 to pursue a career in writing comedy. His freelance credits include "M*A*S*H" and "Barney Miller," for which he won the Best Writing Emmy in 1980. He went on to become executive producer of "Benson" and "It's A Living," retiring to Montecito in 1989.

Remaining active in retirement, Mr. Colleary was an avid reader, furniture-maker, and fine artist. His paintings, seriocomic social commentaries poking fun at man's inhumanity to man, led to two art shows.

Mr. Colleary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bridget; two sons, Robert J., and Michael and his wife Shannon; two daughters, Bridget, and Kate and her husband Rand Ravich; his seven grandchildren, Caitlin, Maggie, Tess, Nick, Rowan, Hank, and Willa; and his dog, Fred.