Michael Paul O'Leary

Michael P. O’Leary, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on December 25, 2022. Mike grew up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, Class of 1960. He received a B.A. in English from Boston College in 1964 and an M. Ed in Guidance from UMass Boston.

A lover of learning, Mike began his career in education as an English teacher at his former high school. Furthering his passion for helping students, he continued his career as a guidance counselor, starting in the Chelmsford school system and ultimately moving to the Dracut school system where he worked for over 30 years until retirement.

He married the love of his life Patricia (Hegarty) in 1966 and they moved to Chelmsford to raise their family. They called Chelmsford home for 48 years. Upon retirement, they moved to Mike’s favorite place, Cape Cod, choosing South Dennis as their home.

Mike thoroughly enjoyed gardening, nature trails, reading and word puzzles. In his younger years he could be found on the basketball or tennis courts. He was a proud B.C. Eagle, and an avid fan of all Boston sports. Mike was an active parishioner at Our Lady of the Cape and involved with several local organizations. But, most importantly, he was a devoted family man who took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren while equally relishing their everyday moments. Nothing made him happier than having them all descend upon their home every summer to enjoy the beach and each other’s company.

Mike is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Kristen O’Sullivan (P.J.) of Norwell, MA and son Michael (Janine) of Barrington, IL and his six cherished grandchildren Lily, Colin, Declan, Shane, Bridget and Griffin. He is also survived by his siblings Robert, Brian, John, Susan Stromski and Nancy Morreale; many nephews, nieces and cousins; and his wife’s extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, John C. and Edna L. O’Leary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org or the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Rt. 134, South Dennis.