Joseph R. O’Leary, 94, of Haverhill, died Thursday afternoon, Oct. 5, at Hannah Duston Healthcare, Haverhill.
He was born in Weymouth, Dec. 11, 1922, son of the late John and Sylvia (Towne) O’Leary.
Educated in the Haverhill school system, O’Leary graduated from Haverhill High School where he was a member of the football team. During World War II he served in the United States Army attaining the rank of sergeant. He earned a World War II Victory Medal, European African Campaign Ribbon and a Victory Medal. For more than 40 years he was employed as a roofer for Letoile Roofing, Haverhill, from where he retired.
O’Leary enjoyed camping in the White Mountains for more than 55 years with his late wife, fishing and making puzzles and lawn ornaments out of wood.
He was the husband of the late Rose (Dumas) O’Leary who died in 2008 and father of the late Jo Anne Ferrante who died in 2016. His survivors include three sons, Timothy O’Leary and his wife Charlotte of Bradford, Raymond O’Leary and his wife Dorothy of Bradford, and David O’Leary and his wife Marrianne of Loudon, N.H.; son-in-law, Joe Ferrante of Atkinson, N.H.; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
O’Leary’s sons and their families thank Joe Ferrante for the care given to Joe and Rose for over 30 years.
Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Haverhill and Bradford. Contributions in his memory may be made to Harborside Hospice, PO Box 930, Haverhill, MA 01830.