Joseph (Joe) Michael O’Leary passed away peacefully on Sunday June 19, 2022 at his home in Medford MA, surrounded by family. Joe is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Dottie) Ann (Impolario) of 57 years, and his children, Paul and his wife Joanne, Kristin, Patricia and Michael.
Joe was a loving grandfather to Katie O’Leary and her wife Keila, Lauren Drury and her husband Tom, Jessica Granados and her husband Josue, Megan, Jarred Hogan, Timothy and Michael Hogan, and was a loving great grandfather to Theodore and Roni. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary (Driscoll) O’Leary and by Paul’s first wife Teresa.
Joe was born in Somerville MA in 1934 and was a graduate of Malden Catholic HS. He proudly served his country in the US Army and was stationed in Japan. After returning from Japan, he met Dottie, also of Somerville, and eventually they settled in Medford. He retired from the Postal Service after 30+ years of service in 2001.
Joe was an avid jazz fan and in his youth played drums in small local bands. Big Band music was often heard at high volume in his home. He loved to read and frequently was reading 2 or 3 books at a time from all genres of literature in addition to any newspaper he could find. He was a fan of history, especially the Civil War era, and voraciously devoured every book he could find on the topic. He enjoyed touring Civil War battlefields, Revolutionary War forts and other historical destinations.
When not traveling to historic sites, Joe loved to vacation in the Lakes Region of NH and ME and would spend hours throwing balls to his children as they jumped off docks, and after dark watching for shooting stars and listening for loon calls. Joe loved dogs and cats and his home always had many. He enjoyed taking the dogs on long walks through the local woods.
Joe loved the Boston sports teams, he held Boston College Football and Boston Bruins season tickets for many years, and later worked as an Usher at the Boston Garden. He enjoyed attending games while traveling, including attending games in San Diego, Miami, Pittsburgh and Washington DC.
Most especially, Joe loved spending time with his immediate and extended family. In addition to his children and grandchildren, he had 8 nieces and nephews and many grand and great nieces and nephews, and all were welcome at any time in his home. With his wife Dottie, they hosted countless backyard cookouts and more than 50 Christmas Eve parties. When the weather was cooperative, he sat in the yard and encouraged family and any neighbor that passed to join him for a chat.
Joe was loved and respected by all who met him, and he will be missed.
Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) on Sunday, June 26th from 12:00PM to 3:00PM.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to St. Jude Shrine, 512 W. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201.