John Franklin O'Leary III

John Franklin O’Leary, III (affectionately known to his family as Rick) was the first son born to John Franklin O'Leary, Jr. and Algie P. (Turner) O'Leary. He was born June 28, 1945 on the Tuskegee Institute in Macon County, Alabama. His early education began in Tuskegee, Alabama. When the family relocated to Los Angeles, California, he continued his studies at Saint Leo Catholic School and Accession Catholic School where he served as an altar boy. John played football at Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California, where he was nick-named Spike O’Leary; graduating from Serra in 1963. He continued his education at Los Angeles Southwest College where he earned an Associate degree. He also attended Western State University's College of Law. In 1990, John met Reginia D. (Hicks) Knox The two married on January 1, 1994 in Las Vegas, Nevada, living in love and respect for the next 22 years. When they met their relationship defied the understanding of many including themselves. Their explanation of how they got together was that their dearly departed Father's were sitting in the bleacher section of Dodger Stadium and decided that they each needed the other. John had a long and illustrious career in the field of aviation that spanned over 30 years. His specialty was air traffic control. He was first introduced to the trade in the United States Air Force and later joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He held many flight controller and management positions throughout his career. Most of his assignments were in Southern California facilities located in areas such as Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario, and San Diego. One of the highlights of John's career was being the first Air Traffic Manager of the current Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport Control Tower. He set the standard for performance by simply saying "Let's not make the 6 O'Clock news". John concluded his career with the FAA as the Assistant Air Traffic Division Manager, Southwest Region in Ft. Worth, Texas. He then transitioned to the private sector joining United Airlines as their Air Traffic Field Operations Manager. John received many awards and accolades during his career and also held Commercial, Instrument, and Instructor pilot ratings. As stated by one of his former colleagues from "The Hangar" (L56, former L.A. TRACON – Terminal Radar Approach Control) "Remember him for how he was and how his example influenced your life, he will be missed." His smile could light up any room! On Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 6:27 a.m., just shy of his 71st birthday, John quietly transitioned from this earth. He passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home with his wife Reginia and faithful pup Raymond by his side. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Reginia, and two children from his first marriage to Gloria O’Leary, Troy Franklin O'Leary (Wife - Alexandra) and Tammie Maria O'Leary; as well as his son by marriage, Christopher Lloyd Knox. John will live on in the memories shared by his mother and two brothers, Archie O'Leary and Phillip O'Leary. He was preceded in death by one brother, Michael O'Leary. He leaves his legacy in two grandsons, J'yonn Brooks and Trey Franklin O'Leary; and his granddaughter, Haylee Marie O'Leary. He will be lovingly remembered by his uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends. John Franklin O’Leary, III has departed the fix one last time.