Joseph Daniel O'Leary

Born 1924 in Savannah, GA, the son of the late Joseph A. and Katherine Ciucevich O'Leary. Attended Marist and Benedictine Military School, Class of 1942. Served in US Navy 1943 - 46 and 1951 - 53. Graduated from University of Georgia School of Forestry in 1949 with Bachelors in Forestry. Worked for State of Arkansas Forestry Commission before joining International Paper Co. from which he retired in 1985.

Mr. O'Leary was an Eagle Scout with a lifelong love of the outdoors. He served as a Boy Scout leader, president of the Lions Club, and rose to Senior Forester with International Paper Company. He was an irrepressible sailor who built 15 boats and used them all as often as he could around his beloved Tybee Island. He was a member of the Hibernian Society, Knights of Columbus 4th degree, BC Alumni Association, Navy League, and a volunteer at Candler Hospital.

Mr. O'Leary was a devout Catholic and a pillar of several small churches in GA and SC before returning to Sacred Heart in Savannah. He served as an altar boy, religious education teacher, lector, choir member, handyman, and inspiration at every parish he belonged to.

He was a devoted husband and father and is survived by his wife, Bette Rosamond Elliott O'Leary of London, England; 2 sons, Joe and Terri O'Leary of Atlanta, Peter and Ann O'Leary of Chimney Rock, NC; and 2 daughters, Fran O'Leary and Elizabeth and Dale Stone of Aiken, SC; 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Dan and Mary Kay O'Leary of Tybee, and John and Carolyn O'Leary of Georgetown, SC. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A Rosary Service will be held immediately following the visitation at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with burial following at the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Hibernian Society.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Nancy N. & J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, 225 Candler Dr., Suite 204, Savannah, GA 31405 or Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190 Savannah, GA 31416.