

Michael was 69 years old. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Patricia (Patty) O’Leary, his daughter Jennifer and her husband David Courtney, sister Maureen O’Leary, and nephew James O'Leary and wife Elise, plus many cousins and other family members and countless friends.
Mike was predeceased by his parents William (Bill) and Virginia (Ginny) O’Leary.
Born and raised on a farm in NW Iowa, about nine miles north of Emmetsburg, Mike learned at an early age how to handle machinery and work the land. Upon graduation from Emmetsburg High School, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He did two tours of duty in Vietnam as a torpedo man on the destroyer, the USS Towers. After the military, Mike followed his father’s passion for aviation and took up flying. He earned his pilot’s license, A&P mechanics license, he became an avionics installer plus he held the pilot ratings of private/commercial/instrument/multi-engine/instructor, logging several thousand hours of flight time.
Mike enjoyed his chosen profession in aviation, and his career was a central part of his life. He loved airplanes and to work with people. He was the consummate professional and was truly an expert in his field and a perfectionist when it came to his work. Recognized by the industry he served for more than 50 years, Michael served on the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) Board from 1996 to 2009; and Secretary and then Chairman from 2002 to 2009. He was so honored to be “Man of the Year” in 1998. He retired in June of 2020 and he and Patty moved to Arizona to enjoy the weather and be closer to family.
He made a lot of special friends throughout the years as his aviation career took him to many different cities – living and traveling extensively across the U.S. He was an engaging, charming conversationalist and a great story teller and always up for a good joke.
Michael was devoted to the love of his life Patty, and his daughter Jennifer, and was the best older brother a sister could ever have. His family hopes that you remember his determined yet friendly spirit and carry it with you and live every day to the fullest.
A Celebration of Life memorial event is now scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021. The event will be held at the Cottonwood Country Club in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Invitations have been mailed. Contact Patty or Maureen for more information.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Gary Hutchinson Memorial Chapter #1028 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (www.vva1028mo.com); or the Emmetsburg VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 2295 (https://www.vfw.org/find-a-post?radius=10&zip=50536).
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