READING: John Patrick O’Leary, age 90, a resident of Reading for 33 years, formerly of Somerville, died Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Winchester Hospital. He was the husband of Katherine “Agnes” (Otto) O’Leary, who died August 24, 1988.
Born in Boston on November 29, 1917, he was the son of the late Jeremiah and Mary (Donegan) O’Leary.
Mr. O’Leary was raised in Charlestown, attended Charlestown schools and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1935.
Prior to his retirement in 1980, he was employed as a manager for the First National Stores for over 50 years.
Mr. O’Leary lived in Somerville for 35 years until moving to Reading in 1975.
He was a communicant of St. Athanasius Parish of Reading.
According to his family he was a “storehouse of Irish stories and humor”, an avid cribbage player and an accomplished chess player. In addition, he enjoyed traveling to Ireland to visit extended family members.
Mr. O’Leary was a member of the Billerica Irish American Club.
He is survived by two sons and four daughters-in-law, John P. O’Leary, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Cohasset and Daniel W. O’Leary and his wife Nancy of Sutton, NH, Debra A. O’Leary of Andover and Carol B. O’Leary of Rockville, MD; six grandchildren, Bernadette K. O’Leary Austin, Christopher S., John P. O’Leary, III, Erin J., Michael and Ryan P. O’Leary; three great grandchildren; one brother, Jeremiah J. O’Leary of Lowell; also many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mr. O’Leary was the father of the late Thomas P. and Gerald F. O’Leary and brother of the late Daniel J. O’Leary.
Calling hours Monday, August 11th, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral will be held Tuesday, Aug. 12th, at 8:45 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading, MA 01867 are suggested.