Paul Richard O'Leary

Paul Richard O'Leary of Washington DC's Foggy Bottom District was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the last surviving child of nine children born to Helen (Dumigan) and Daniel O'Leary during the Great Depression. He graduated from Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School in 1954. Paul studied engineering at the University of Pittsburgh for 2 years before he joined the United States Air Force where he learned Russian languages. His tour of duty included a significant tenure in Turkey. He subsequently returned to the University of Pittsburgh and completed a degree in Business Administration. The U.S. Department of Defense recruited Paul to work in Harrisburg, PA and later he moved to Washington, DC to work with the defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Paul's focus at DARPA was on government contract negotiations with the burgeoning technology sector.

When Paul first arrived in Washington, DC in the mid-sixties, he soon joined a young professional social circle, all of whom enjoyed lively conversations, fine wine, and long dinner parties. It was through this network that he first met the love of his life, Jacqueline G. Lemire. Paul and Jackie married in 1980, continuing their dedication to their long careers in public service, and enjoying the cultural life of Washington, DC.

In 1998, Paul retired from the Pentagon, but certainly not from his busy life. His many deep interests included politics, the arts, international travel, and good scotch. Paul and Jackie could be frequently seen at the Kennedy Center, the Phillips Collection, and the National Gallery of Art. Paul and Jackie particularly cherished many visits to Paris. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jacqueline Lemire, and many nieces and nephews. Paul's bright smile, kindness, and razor-sharp Irish wit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation for Paul will be held Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Saint Stephen-Martyr Catholic Church, 2436 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037. Following the visitation will be a funeral service at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen-Martyr Catholic Church, 2436 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037. Burial will be at Congressional Cemetery.