John Stuart Oleary

John Stuart O’Leary, known to his friends and family as “Bus,” lived to be 94 years old and passed away on March 18, 2023, in The Woodlands, Texas. John was born March 6, 1929, in Central Park, WA to parents John O’Leary and Marian (Johnston) O’Leary.

As a young man, John enjoyed playing football for the Aberdeen, WA High School Bobcats. He is an alumnus of The University of Washington.

On April 15, 1951, John and high school classmate, Helen Zderic, were married, living together for the next sixty years. Shortly after the marriage ceremony, John left to serve in the Korean War on the USS Estes (AGC12), where he observed atomic bomb testing during Operation Ivy and Operation Castle, wearing only sunglasses for protection.

John was an insurance adjuster for decades, living in Seattle, WA; Gig Harbor, WA; Calgary, AB; Spokane, WA; and Mill Creek, WA. During the last decade of his life, after Helen’s death, John lived with his son, Tim, and daughter-in-law, Lois.

Public service was important to John. The Elks, Moose International, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars were all beneficiaries of his participation.

John enjoyed spending time outdoors with friends. He often hunted and ate ducks, geese, and moose, and was an inveterate clam digger and shrimper.

His friends knew John to be a “professional Irishman.” John loved reading the obituaries in local papers; like a character in Frank McCourt’s book, Angela’s Ashes, he, too, considered the lives described in the “Irish Sporting Pages” to be a source of friendly entertainment.

John is survived by his son, Timothy (Lois); three grandchildren: Conner, Molly, and Avery (Trevor); and two great grandchildren: Banks & Mercer. Also surviving John is his sister-in-law, Charlotte and her four children: Dan, Brian, Erin, and David.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Helen (10/01/2012), son John, most often known as J.P. (11/29/1984), and brother Paul (07/16/2005).

Upon hearing the greeting, “Good Morning,” it was common for John to affirm, “Yes, it is!” This response was typical of his life which he lived with great gusto.

John is now square with the house.

John’s remains will be interred along with his wife’s remains at the National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

Donations in John’s name are welcome:

Catholic Charities – catholiccharities.org

Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – act.houstonspca.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/houston-cremation for the O'Leary family.