John P. O'Leary, Sr.

Waltham – Mr. John P. O’Leary, a former longtime Needham resident, died Friday, December 20, 2024 in Newton-Wellesley Hospital after an illness. He was 91. 

Beloved husband of 63 years to the late Catherine E. (Daly) O’Leary († April 12, 2022).

He leaves his children, Virginia M. ‘Ginny’ Arpino (Paul) of Waltham, Michael F. O'Leary (late Christine) of Newburyport, David A. O'Leary (Jennifer) of Medfield, and Christopher M. O'Leary of Norwood; his grandchildren, Ken (Dustin), Elizabeth (Craig), Stephen (Giulia), Liam, Michael, Kieran, Abigail, Finian, Tessa and Carisa ; his great-grandson, Maverick and many nieces, nephews and their families; his brother, George O’Leary (Clare) of Chestnut Hill; his in-laws, Mary O’Leary of Natick and Alfred Bornemann of Wellesley He was also the father of the late John P. O'Leary, Jr., brother of the late Arthur O’Leary, Edward O’Leary, Mary Howe and Eleanor Bornemann.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, December 27th from 4 to 7 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton at 10:30 a.m. Please go directly to church. Burial with military honors will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Needham. 

A broadcast (and recording) of John's Funeral Mass will be begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday: https://my.gather.app/fh/joyce-funeral-home/family/john-o-leary-sr

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Our Lady’s Parish, 573 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02458 or https://sholnewton.org/

Complete obituary to follow.