Obituaries
John J. O’Leary
July 30, 1943 - October 24, 2024
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VISITATION
November 1, 2024 | 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. - Yurs Funeral Home St. Charles
- Funeral Mass
- November 2, 2024 | 10:30 A.M.
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church St. Charles, Il
John Joseph O’Leary, age 81, passed away in Geneva, IL on Thursday, October 24th, 2024.
Born July 30th, 1943, in Chicago, IL to Bridget and John O’Leary, immigrants from Ireland. On July 16th, 1986, he married the love of his life, Joan Crean. John and Joan moved from Chicago to St. Charles, IL in 1989, into a home they built together. John and Joan loved to travel including 4 trips to Ireland.
John attended Iona College, which was founded by the Christian Brothers and located outside New York City, earning a Bachelor’s degree. John vividly remembered when Robert Kennedy visited the school in 1964 and addressed the student body. John taught high school English, including at Bowen High School in Chicago for many years, as well as coached chess, soccer, and other sports. John achieved a Master’s degree in Counseling later in life.
John loved to read literature, particularly Shakespeare. He was a man of deep religious faith with a strong sense of ethics and fairness and will be remembered as a man of integrity. He was a member of his parish men’s group and served as an election judge for many years in St. Charles.
Survived by his spouse, Joan; his 3 sisters, Marie Kielty, Theresa (Bill) Churilla and Catherine O’Leary; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his sister Jane Fleck.
Funeral Mass/Services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10:30 A.M, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 E. Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174, with Fr. Paul White officiating. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in St. Charles.
Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leo Catholic High School in Chicago.
Condolences
Nora Cooke from Oak Lawn , IL
"The Cooke family sends their deepest sympathy. We will keep you in our prayers."
Bill King from Indian Head Park, IL
"Worked across the hall from John at Bowen. He was a great teacher but an even better person. RIP John."
Andrew Beaufils from Rockford , IL
"So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a kind man. My condolences to Joan."