On Friday, May 1, 2020, Richard John O’Leary, loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 63.
Rick, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Portland, Maine. His mother, Frances, who had just recently completed the adoption process for his 1-year-old sister, Carol, was thrilled to have not one but two babies in her home. When his mother and biological father divorced, the three of them moved in with his grandparents in Sidney, Maine, on a small hobby farm. Rick’s love for the outdoors and for all living creatures, especially dogs and horses, blossomed in this new home. He was always more at home in the country than the city.
When his mother remarried, he was adopted by his new father, John B. O’Leary, Jr. Rick, in turn, changed his middle name to John and last name to O’Leary. Their new family soon added two more siblings—Joanne Patricia and Jane Frances. They ended up settling in Connecticut, where Rick graduated in 1974 from Valley Regional High School, in Deep River, Connecticut. He lived most of the rest of his adult life in the Constitution State.
From an early age, it was clear that Rick was skilled with his hands. He was an excellent carpenter. Rick was also a musician, a puppeteer crew member, and a sailor who sailed the East Coast. He loved fishing, joking, his dog, and his friends. He was a kind and generous soul who always told it like it is.
He is predeceased by his father, John O’Leary, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Frances O’Leary; his three sisters Carol Frobel, Joanne Rojas, and Jane O'Leary, and many nieces and nephews.
Rick was a beloved resident of Stony Creek, Connecticut, for many years and will be sorely missed by his friends. There will be a memorial service scheduled for a later time when family and friends are able to gather from across the country. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local charity of your choice since we will not be having an in-person memorial service at this time.
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