Joseph O'Leary

He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a soldier, and a friend. He was also, quite simply, one of the kindest and most humble of men. Joe was born on September 30, 1936, in Yonkers, NY, to Cornelius and Elizabeth (English) O’Leary. Joe was one of seven children. The O'Leary family lived on Morningside Avenue in Yonkers, across from Lennon Park. Joe attended Archbishop Stepinac High School. After school, all the O'Leary boys served their country in the armed forces. As he did in so many things, Joe followed his older brother Connie into the Army and served on active duty with the 7th Infantry Division in Europe for three years. When he returned home, Joe joined the New York Army National Guard and would serve the Country for another 40 years rising to the rank of Brigadier General. Joe O’Leary was a soldier's-soldier, serving and working right alongside his men. He was never big on pomp or circumstance and did not stand on ceremony, nor use his rank for privilege or favor. Joe held many positions over the course of his military career, each increasing in importance as he moved through the ranks, culminating with Battalion Command of the 101st Signal Battalion and Commander of the 187th Signal Brigade. After Joe retired from NYARNG, he continued to serve as a member of the 101st Signal BN Liberty Chapter, as a member of the Military Association for New York, and on the Board of Directors of the National Guard and Naval Militia Relief Society, a not-for-profit organization that provides financial aid to soldiers in need. Joe served with distinction over the course of his long and successful career, responding to numerous state and federal emergencies. During the Green Haven Correctional Facility Prison Strike in 1976, Joe served as the “Temporary Warden”, giving him a unique insight into the State prison system.

Joe’s United States Military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal, which he was extremely proud to wear because it is only for enlisted soldiers. His New York State awards include the Conspicuous Service Medal, the Medal for Meritorious Service, the Long and Faithful Service Medal, and the Aid to Civil Authority Medal. Joe had an equally successful civilian career working for the Consolidated Edison Company of New York for over 35 years. He loved being a lineman and worked his entire career in that role, never seeking a promotion or advancement. As a lineman, Joe worked outdoors in all sorts of weather installing and maintaining power transmission lines, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. Joe really loved the physical nature of this work, and possessed the agility, strength, coordination, and balance to climb tall telephone poles and sometimes stand on top of them. Most importantly, he loved the wonderful, lifelong friends that he got to work with every day. They were as much a part of his life as any of his other family members. Joe was a devout Catholic and had an unwavering faith, attending Mass daily whenever he could. The Church was an anchor and a solace for him his entire life. Joe was proud of his Irish heritage and loved to visit Ireland, journeying there countless times, spending many restful weeks with his family and friends in the Irish countryside. In 2016, he celebrated his 80th birthday in Killarney with his brother-in-law, Phil Panzer, and several of his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers: Cornelius Jr., James, his beloved sister, Mary Ann, as well as two sisters, Geraldine and Ellen, who died as young children. His nephew, Neil, also predeceased him. Joe is survived by his brother, Mickey (Jeanne), his brother-in-law, Philip Panzer, and sister-in-law, Bonnie O’Leary. In addition, he is survived by his nieces and nephews: Sharon, Michael, Jennifer, Ryan, Patrick, John, Mary Joan, Christopher, Daniel, Phil, Elizabeth, Jennifer and Justin, as well as 20 great nieces and nephews. Memorial Visitation will be held at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Tuesday September 29th 5-8pm. A memorial mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday September 30th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Regional Hospice 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810 or Signal Corps Regimental Association, Inc., Liberty Chapter, P.O. Box 242, Orangeburg, NY 10962.

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

168 Park Ave.

Yonkers, N.Y. 10703

(914)965-6588

www.whalenandballfh.com