Daniel O'Leary

A lifelong resident of West Orange until he retired in 2006, Dan was part of a long line of West Orange natives. A lineage long enough that his great-grandfather delivered milk to Thomas Edison. Graduating from West Orange High School in 1961, he began work for PSEG, before he was drafted to the Vietnam War in 1964, where he served his country proudly.

Once he returned, he resumed his life’s work as a chief lineman for PSEG, where he worked for the next 38 years. He married the love of his life, Margaret and they lived happily together until her untimely death in 2004. During that time, he and Margaret raised three sons, Timothy, Christopher and Michael. As Dan would say, there was never a dull moment or day in that household that wasn’t an adventure. He got accustomed to dealing with the neighbors, who were usually in line when he got home from work to discuss something interesting one of the boys had done.

Dan was a permanent fixture in the West Orange community with a great sense of humor; a huge and generous heart, a consummate story teller; and a major jokester. Dan made everyone feel like they were family. He was as much a guy’s guy, who thrived on the banter of his PSEG buddies, as he was a sensitive and kind man. In fact, he carried bones in his pocket for the stray dogs that he would come across while working; and was known to rescue at least a few abandoned kittens during his tenure. He loved striking up a conversation with just about anyone, and he treated everyone with respect and love.

In his retirement, he devoted much of his time to the New Jersey Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and Museum where he was a tour guide for children, adults and veterans alike. He loved every minute of being there and basked in the deep friendships he shared with his fellow veterans.

Dan was a true New Jerseyan. He loved the beach, especially Manasquan, where he spent many childhood summers and then later on in Long Beach Island with his family. He loved the summer; he loved the Yankees; he loved collecting everything - especially Waterford crystal, impression glass and glass insulators; he loved his family and friends very deeply and was proud of his Irish roots. He was loyal, compassionate, rock steady, creative, and a problem solver, always wanting to help anyone, in whatever way he could. He worked hard and loved his life.

By far, what he loved most were his grandchildren- Matthew, Lauren, Kate, Olivia and Maddie. A devoted grandpa and poppy- he never missed a softball or a soccer game. He was their biggest and most loyal fan. His face lit up when he was with them or talked about them. He spent his final day on the softball field and then watching the Yankees beat the Red Sox; a game that included a grand slam. A perfect day indeed.

Dan was predeceased by his wife Margaret, his son Timothy, his parents Daniel and Ruth, his sister Beth, his brother Brendan, and his nephew Joey. He is survived by his sons, Chris and Mike, daughter in laws, Jill O’Leary and Jamie Bussel; his sister Patricia, his grandchildren, nieces and nephew and an infinite number of friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 4-8 PM at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Livingston, NJ. Funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, October 1 at 10am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, West Orange. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In recognition of the huge role that the Vietnam Memorial played in his life, donations can be made in his honor to the NJ Vietnam Memorial (njvvmf.org).