Joseph Patrick O'Cleary

Joseph Patrick O’Cleary was born to William (Frank) and Nora O’Cleary on Dec 7, 1946, in Tipperary Town, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was the eldest of 2 children. His younger brother, Francis, passed away in 1953, at the age of 5.

Joe lived the first 12 years of his life in Ireland, attending a Catholic School, and spending summer weekends helping out at Gotenbridge, his uncle’s open-air music and dance hall. He loved listening to the drummers and would eventually convince his parents to allow him to buy his first set of drums. Thus began his passion for music. His father Frank, a master cabinet maker, immigrated to the United States in 1957. Nora and Joe followed in 1958, making a new home in Morristown, New Jersey. There, Joe would play in his first band, The Invaders Four. He was also a founding member of The Blues Elixir Band, an Allman Brothers cover band. Joe became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States on Nov 23, 1964, the same year he graduated from high school. After high school, Joe attended St. Leo University in St. Leo, Florida, where he earned his B.A. in Psychology.

Moving to Longmont, Colorado, after college afforded him time to pursue music and utilize his degree in a meaningful way. Life was interrupted when Joe was drafted into the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army in 1974. It was here he began his 40 years as an avid runner and health nut. His college experience landed him a job as Clerk Typist, and he was released early, as the Vietnam War ended.

The GI Bill afforded him the opportunity to attend LSU to pursue an M.A. in Social Work, his second life’s passion.

Joe moved back to Longmont in 1976 where he would spend the rest of his life. He began working for Boulder County Attention Homes, before moving to the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services for nearly 32 years as an LCSW doing Child Protection Intake and Intensive Family Therapy. He loved his team and his clients, always searching for new and better ways he could help them.

After retirement he took up a part time job as a conservator and therapist; shifting the way he shared his love and service to the community. In 1983, he met the love of his life, Trudy Mechem Thomas, and they were married in 1986. In 1988, his only son, Evin, was born.

Joe was an incredible husband, father, and friend. Camping, concerts, movies, beer, telling stories, and asking insightful questions; this is how he shared his love and passions with both his wife, his son, and nearly all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Trudy, his son, Evin, and beloved Aussie, Bodhi. He was preceded in death by his parents; William (Frank) and Nora O’Cleary, and his brother Francis.

Please join us to celebrate the life of Joe O’Cleary on Sunday, August 20 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm at the Stone Mountain Lodge, Lyons, CO. Festivities will include a ceremony, time to mingle, drinks, food, and live music by My Blue Sky, a tribute to his favorite band, The Allman Brothers! Come with your stories, love, and dancing shoes, for a night of great remembrance!