BEVERLY: James J. O’Leary, 84, died Friday, August 3, 2007 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Margaret M. (Scanlon) O’Leary.
Born in Salem on August 13, 1922, he was the son of the late John E. and Annie G. (Barry) O’Leary. He had resided in Salem for many years before moving to Beverly forty-six years ago. He was a graduate of Salem High School class of 1939. He was also a graduate of St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers and the College of the Holy Cross class of 1948, where he is a member of both school’s Hall of Fame in track.
A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served in the 101st Airborne Division, where he saw combat in the invasion of Normandy, Holland, Bastogne, Rhineland, Germany and Austria. He was honorably discharged from the Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment on November 17, 1945.
Mr. O’Leary was employed in the travel industry for many years. He was a Massachusetts track & field official and former Commissioner of track & field for the Northeastern Conference. He was a nationally ranked distance runner in the 1940’s. An avid golfer, he was a former member of the Wenham Country Club and has eight holes in one to his credit.
In addition to his wife of fifty-two years, he is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, James J., Jr. and Catherine O’Leary of Mukilteo, WA and John F.X. O’Leary of Amesbury, four grandchildren, Shamus and Matthew both of Mukilteo, WA and Madeline and Anne O’Leary both of Amesbury, a sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Joseph Callahan of Salem and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday in the St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Cabot St., Beverly at 9 A.M. Visiting hours will be held on Monday evening in the Grondin Funeral Home, 376 Cabot St., Beverly from 4 – 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to establish a scholarship in his name for a track and field athlete, c/o Beverly High School.Interment will be held in the Central Cemetery.