Richard Joseph O’Leary

  Richard Joseph O’Leary passed away on June 3, 2024 at his home in Charlevoix, Michigan after a long battle with cancer. 

  Richard was born on September 5, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to Richard and Marion (Woodcock) O’Leary.

  Preceded in death by his parents, brother James O’Leary and sisters Maureen Weber and Patricia Jackowski.  Richard is survived by his wife of more than 56 years, Linda (Johnson) O’Leary, children Timothy (Elaine Pelc) and Mary (Edward) Larsen, grandchildren Aaron and Nora O’Leary, sisters Therese Nesteruk and Rosemary Baillargeon, and his dear nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

  Richard and Linda married soon after graduating from Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic High School (Waterford, MI). Richard and Linda built their home in Holly, raising their children and building lifelong friendships there. Richard was an Engineer for Grand Trunk Railroad for 25 years, relishing his experiences and friendships from those years.

  After making their kids’ education a top priority, Richard started college at age 39 and earned his Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts. In 1994, Richard and Linda relocated to Charlevoix. They used their respective degrees in culinary arts and hospitality to start The Acorn Café, which they ran for almost 9 years.

  On January 6, 1976, Richard started his journey toward sobriety. Throughout his 48 years of involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous, Richard helped countless fellow travelers on their own journeys. He served in leadership positions with Serenity House Alano Club and BASES in Charlevoix. In particular, he led fundraising efforts for the construction of a new building for Serenity House. The Serenity House community has been a bastion of support for the O’Leary family.     

  Richard was one of a kind. Richard made friends easily but also maintained friendships for decades. A man of strong faith, a huge heart, and many passions, he loved to both hear and tell a good story (over and over). He learned to play the fiddle in his 50’s, playing with the St. Joseph Parish choir. He enjoyed travel especially a road trip with his best navigator and companion Linda. Richard treasured time spent hunting and fishing with his guys: son Tim, grandson Aaron, son-in-law Ed, brother-in-law Jim, and friends-who-were-like family Mike, Andrew, and Pat, and numerous other dear friends. 

  For many years, Richard and Linda hosted an Open House in early December to raise funds for Good Samaritan Family Services. Together, Richard and Linda made their home a comfortable and welcoming gathering place for friends and family. 

  Richard was incredibly proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, and attended many hockey games, Little League games, band performances, competitions and concerts, lacrosse matches and track/cross country meets to support them. He bragged about his kids and grandkids at any opportunity. 

  Richard O’Leary was larger than life and left an impact on all who had the good fortune to know him. 

  Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish in East Jordan, Michigan on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. 

  The family will receive friend on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc., East Jordan with a rosary service at 7:30 P.M.

  Memorial donations can be made to Serenity House Alano Club: https://www.charlevoixalano.org/

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