Donald K O'Leary

Donald Kevin O’Leary, age 89 years young, died peacefully at the home of his son and daughter-in-law Bob & Caroline Wroth O’Leary on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. He was surrounded by his family during his valiant battle with cancer.

A resident of New Port Richey FL, Don was born in New York City. He raised his large family in Fair Lawn, NJ, where he was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Church for 40 years. Don was a dedicated and loving husband to Stacy Loftus O’Leary who predeceased him in 2013, a father to Mary Paulson & her spouse, Kathleen Perry, Ann & Paule Barford, Bob & Caroline Wroth O’Leary, June O’Leary, Bill & Christine O’Leary, Mike O’Leary, Jim O’Leary, Chris & Katie Scott O’Leary and Brian & Laura O’Leary. He is cherished by his dear grandchildren, Diane Paulson, Tim & Courtney Barford, Katie Barford & Conrad Glissman-Gough, William, Thomas & James O’Leary, Danny & Megan O’Leary, Kelly O’Leary, Allan & Ryan O’Leary, Julian O’Leary and Grace & Colin O’Leary & his great-granddaughter, Cora Barford, and his step-greatgranchildren, Ella, Jay, and Trevor Malatesta & Ethan & Brynn Perry. He is also survived by his dear sister June, his sister-in-law, Sister Eileen Loftus, his nieces, Jeanine Ward and Jeanine O’Leary, and his nephews, Jimmy Ward, Denis, Tommy & George O’Leary, as well as his cherished Miller cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, May (nee Corbett) and Denis O’Leary, his brother Denis and wife Pat O’Leary, and brother-in-law, James Ward and his beloved partner, Beverly Railey, with whom he shared 10 loving years.

A graduate of Fordham Prep and Fordham University, Don was proud of his rigorous academic history with the Jesuits and maintained a strong intellectual curiosity throughout his life. He raised 9 critical thinkers who valued his wisdom and learned so much from him.

Don nurtured & maintained friendships with his Fordham classmates and organized and enjoyed reunions and regular meals with them. A Chemical Engineer, Don was a long-time member of The Society of Plastics Engineers. He was an enthusiastic member of the New York Microscopical Society and the Eastern Analytical Symposium and was a past President of both organizations. He forged many lasting friendships in each of these institutions.

A passionate photographer, boater, builder, & reader, Don also embraced technology, always curious about the latest developments and gadgets. A foodie before his time, Don always enjoyed intellectually stimulating discussions with friends and family over a wonderful meal, whether prepared by himself, by others, or in a favored restaurant. He loved pinochle, and had a great group of pinochle friends in his Florida community.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Anne’s Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, at 9:30 am on Saturday, January 27, 2024, followed by a repast at the Fair Lawn Athletic Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The New York Microscopical Society or to Covenant House.