Christopher O'Leary Obituary


O'LEARY, Christopher M.
Born on June 1, 1973, and taken from us tragically on January 20, 2008. Survived by his wife, Michele Rose O'Leary, mother Regina Cresci Southard, stepfather Michael J. Southard, father Michael I. O'Leary, brother, Sean M. Southard, sister, Catherine C. Southard, aunts, Catherine and Maureen, friend, Helen Degen, grandparents, Gerald and Nellie Cresci, uncles, Rob Burness, Damien and aunt Susan, Guy, and Gerry Cresci, and his beautiful dogs, Flora and Spike. Christopher was a National Merit Honor Student, who graduated Suma Cum Laude (1995) in Anthropology from UCLA, completed his PhD from the University of Michigan (2002) in Medical Anthropology and thereafter pursued his passion for public health advocacy as a GS14 government employee for the federal Center for Disease Control to the date of his death. In addition to his tremendous talent and work ethic, Christopher, fluent in four languages, loved traveling, running, cooking, arts, and being around the house with his wife and animals. His loss is greatly felt but his love and enthusiasm for life will be remembered by all. A memorial to celebrate Christopher's life will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10am, at St. Philomene's Church, 2428 Bell St., Sacramento. Remembrances can be made to Sacramento SPCA, Sacramento Children's Receiving Home or Sund/Carrington.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 2008.
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Not a day goes by where I don´t miss you my love! It has been 16 years and a hole is still left in my heart. Yet you made a great impact to so many including your sister and brother! They also miss you dearly, RIP. Mom

Regina cresci

January 18, 2023

Dear Chris, I learned of your passing several years after it happened. I have such fond memories of hanging out with you & Jen in high school. Remember that time you guys convinced me to go body surfing in the American River and you had to save me? I like to think that a forever bond was formed that afternoon. I would not be here if not for you. By some stroke of fate we ended up at UCLA together. Im not sure why we didnt continue to hang out after freshman year, but again I have you to thank for taking me out of my comfort zone you took me on a public bus & we went to Santa Monica for dinner, remember? Then we came back to my house on sorority row & I was locked out, so I ended up back with you at your dorm. I think the last time I saw you was in North Campus near the sculpture garden Junior year...Today, one of the guys from high school posted a picture from Senior class yearbook. I told Alexis that I missed you, so he posted this picture of you with James Gatlin. You look like a thespian, but its so you. That smile. That twinkle in your eye. If I recall you like wearing this big army jacket & hat around school. I knew you were smart but had no idea you were such a brainiac. Chris, I lost my dad a few months ago. The loss is still gut wrenching. I think of you and I cant imagine the senselessness that took you away from us. Im sorry we didnt keep in touch, but I never forgot our friendship. Rest In Peace, my dear friend. The world is a less bright without you in it.

Mai

Friend

May 9, 2020

I'm not 100% sure this is the right person, but I took two anthropology classes from someone with this name who was a visiting professor or postdoc at Caltech about 10 years ago. I specifically chose that second class on Latin America because I'd enjoyed the first one he taught. I was surprised and saddened to find this memorial when I looked him up tonight. I'm very sorry for your loss. I remember that he was an engaging professor, and I am glad to hear that he lived a very kind and generous life.

Candace

April 10, 2014

Chris and I studied together at UCLA. We didn't keep in touch after college, but I would often see his name come in the academic world. I was just catching up with some friends and we wondered what he was up to. I'm very sad to learn of his death. Chris was brilliant, warm, funny. I'm glad I got to know him.
Catherine Howard

catherine howard

January 30, 2014

In honor of my wonderful, caring, son who lived life to it's fullest. Boy oh- boy are you so dearly missed. You are gone, yet not forgotten. My Love to you forever. Mom

Regina Cresci-Southard

October 6, 2013

I rarely look up blogs abt my husband. It hurts. But yes . He was unique and wonderful. and ours was an imperfect but pretty great martiage. thank you for taking the time to post ur feelings. I struggle to still like la. But boy did he love our city. And he, with his encyclopedic yet quirky brain, showdme everything great about it. I thank u.

Michele Oleary

May 23, 2013

I never got the privilege to meet Christopher. But knowing his father Michael and hearing about his son's accomplishments i know my loss is great as the remainder of the world who has not that opportunity to know Chris either. I am sure Heaven has re united father and Son now that Michael has since passed as well.I love the entire O Leary clan a good Irish Family. Love Dee

DeMille Nechoda

November 14, 2011

Chris was a big part of my life when I attended UCLA. I've been digesting this tragedy since reading the LA times article last week, and all the memories of who he was--so bright, funny, good natured, always achieving-- have flooded back.

I am thankful to know he reached many of his goals, remained the same upbeat happy person, had a close harmonious family and a joyous marriage. My heart goes out to his wife, mother, family and friends. I am so very sorry for your great loss of Chris O'leary--he was an exceptional person.

If there are any organizations / charities set up in his honor please let me know.

Masaye Waugh

April 28, 2010

Timothy alen Sinkey

August 5, 2009

I knew Chris back in first and second grade when he attended Thomas Kelly Elementary School in Carmichael. We were neighbors and I remember playing Star Wars together and were good friends. I use to go over to Mike and Regina's house all the time and remember Mike taking us to baseball games.

I have not seen him since they moved away and just decided to look him up today and am saddened to know that he passed away. I wish his family and loved ones well.

Greg Stevens

April 16, 2009

I was just informed of Chris' passing from a past co-worker. To say I am shocked is an understatement. I had the pleasure of working with Chris on a few health projects at UCLA. He was always full of life, full of ideas and never at a loss for intelligent conversation. I can also distinctly remember his sometimes-quirky sense of humor. He was truly an original, one-of-kind person.

To his wife, parents and loved ones, I offer my deepest sympathy, sincere thoughts and heartfelt prayers. He will truly be missed.

Jason Carter

January 22, 2009

I will be thinking of you all as this anniversary passes. I hope that every day your memories of Chris are accompanied by less pain. I will not forget him.

Meghan O'Leary

January 18, 2009

I knew Chris in High School. I will always remember him as an extremely friendly and outgoing person.

Graham Pitzer

July 30, 2008

Michael and Regina I just heard the news and my heart goes out to you both. It has been years but the loss of a child should never happen. My heart goes out to you both and you are in my prayers everyday!

Tula Cope

April 30, 2008

I just heard this tragic and unbelievable news. I only met Chris once, but heard many countless fond stories about him told by his co-workers at UCLA. I am in shock. I am so sorry for this huge loss and wish to express my sincere condolences and regrets to Mrs. O'Leary and the rest of Chris' family and friends.

Jeanette Chung

April 29, 2008

I have never met Chris O'Leary or his wife, Michelle O'Leary. I read an article and his obituary. I am heartbroken over the death of a man that was so full of life and his selflessness. My heart goes out to his wife and their family. His death, and others like his as well, are incomprehensible. Please accept my condolensces and know that your family will be in my heart always.

S. Bellue

March 22, 2008

I met Chris thru my wife who worked with his wife. I am Brazilian, and I never met an American who loved Brazil so much. we clicked, not only because of the Portuguese, or because of being a gaucho myself I couldn't believe anyone else would drink mate everyday, but we were so alike despite being born in such different cultures: we liked the exact same kind of music, same type of bars, ...we kept contact via email and, despite the fact I hadn't seen him in a while, I would count him as a few of my closest friends. Chris made several ethical choices in life that took him thru the less traveled roads. He was hero and a role model. He spend his life outreaching to Latino children and youth, and his story will live on.
I want to thank his family and Michele for letting me be part of his amazing life.

marcelo cavalheiro

February 8, 2008

February 7, 2008

February 7, 2008

I was shocked and saddened by the news about Chris. He and I were colleagues at Michigan and we worked together on class assignments. He was a very enthusiastic person and full of life. My deepest condolences to Michele and Chris's family. My thoughts are with you at this time.

Patricia (Gonzalez) Lange

February 5, 2008

I knew Christopher only briefly during my short stint in LA in 2007 yet I very clearly remember his contagious enthusiasm and exceptional brilliance. What a tragic loss to all. My sincerest condolences to all who knew and loved this great young man.

John Paffel

February 3, 2008

Our office will not be the same without Chris, he was such a great co-worker always happy. We shared the same office area and remember us being the last to leave the office the last time I saw him. We said ADIOS to eachother and left happy as usual. I will miss Chris and his fine selections of music. What am immense loss, I will remember Chris fondly.

Monica Munoz

February 2, 2008

I was just informed of Chris's death, and am completely stunned and saddened. I wish I could have attended the service. I went to high school with Chris, he was my friend, and my first kiss. I still have the Clash album he gave me for my 15th birthday. I loved that he was such a rebel and so different, with his trench coat, combat boots, and scribbles of Sex Pistols and anarchy all over his binders. Not knowing what became of him since high school, it was wonderful to read about his life, and to know he lived it to the fullest. Rest in Peace Chris...

Vanessa Gehringer (Newby)

February 1, 2008

I read the article in the Los Angeles Times, and have not been able to stop thinking about how Christopher' life ended. His life, in many respects, paralleled my own life. I can't imagine the the type of anguish his wife and family are experiencing right now. It's shocking, deeply, deeply sad. You lost someone who was as perfect and loving as you would hope any human being or child might become, which makes the loss that much more painful. I am certain Chris would have wanted to tell you all just how much he loved you...and how thankful he was for all that you gave him...this feels so sad, like someone who wasn't supposed to die just disappeared. I can't imagine anything more difficult happening to a parent or a wife. My deepest sympathy.

Louis D

January 31, 2008

My last memory of Chris was dancing with him on the day he and Michele got married. It is truly a tragic loss. He was so full of life, and enthusiasm. Chris and Michele were so full of love and appreciation for eachother. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Michele and his family for their loss.

Michelle Fernandez

January 30, 2008

I never met Christopher but when I read about what happened to him I started crying and wanted to express my sympathy to his family and friends.

Theresa Markese

January 29, 2008

I knew Chris for only 4 short years, but he made an immediate and lasting impression on me. Chris was an entity unto himself. It is devastating to think that Chris O'Leary is no longer out there in the world doing things and saying things that only Chris O'Leary could do and say. My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family.

Jami Pannell

January 29, 2008

The advertising agency I work for partnered with the LA County STD program, including Chris, to create a marketing campaign to help keep young women and men aware of the risks to their health. Chris was a major part of the process, and I worked with him closely throughout it. He was smart, thoughtful and hilariously funny to be around, and we were all the better because of his participation. I am shocked and saddened that this has happened. My sincere condolences to his wife, family, and friends. What a loss.

Kathleen K

January 29, 2008

Chris was the kindest neighbor and wonderfully generous with his homemade brew. We are shocked and saddened, and hope that Michele, his family, and friends may find comfort and strength.

Gaurav Srivastava and Sarah Bartlett

January 29, 2008

Chris and Michele were my downstairs neighbors in Los Feliz before they moved into their new home. I am shocked and very saddened by this tragic loss. Chris was a genuinely nice person who was always eager to talk and offer good advice. My street has not been the same since they moved; now the world will not be the same without Chris. My heart goes out to Michele and the rest of his family.

Craig Weida

January 28, 2008

Rest In Peace Mr O'Leary and may the Lord have a very special place for a wonderful soul like you. This world can't afford to lose someone like you for very much longer. I didn't know you but I still care.

Denise Desiree

January 28, 2008

I met chris through my son Jeff Petersen, enjoyed him, laughed with him and Michele at the antics of Flora and Spike. The four of them visited my home often and we loved every minute of those visits. His friends will miss him and the world will miss what he could have achieved.

Bunny Pero

January 28, 2008

My husband Matthew and I had the pleasure of being Chris & Michelle neighbors in Los Feliz, at the Lyman Village apartments. We were both shocked and saddened by Chris's death he will be missed by both of us. My deepest sympathy goes out to Chris's family.

Susan & Matthew Poodaick

January 28, 2008

Chris was one of my drama students at El Camino. I will always remember his sincerity and desire to perform well. The picture of him in his Shakespearian costume comes to mind every time I think of him. May God take your pain and turn it into a celebration of a wonderful young man's life.

Lee Elliott (Schaefer)

January 28, 2008

I first met Chris when I was a freshman at UCLA and he was a junior. I remember one time we were sitting on campus eating at Taco Bell and talking about the upcoming elections, back when Bill Clinton was running for re-election. He said he liked Bill especially because he was married to Hilary, and Chris liked that she was such a strong feminist. He asked if I was a feminist and I bashfully replied "yes", a little embarrassed because this was when it was the big F word on our campus. He told me, "You shouldn't be afraid to say you're a feminist. I'm a feminist, too." That simple statement made an uncertain 18-year-old realize I shouldn't be afraid to express my views, and I was so glad for that. I don't think he realized how much he made an impact on me to this day. He always had pearls of wisdom like that, a lot of times unknowingly. I think he affected all of our lives in that way. We are all blessed to have known him.

Anh Pham

January 27, 2008

I first met Chris when he was 18 and a freshman at UCLA. He was at that awkward stage of a young man not quite sure of himself. We stayed friends over the years and as he matured, became a professional, and started a family of his own, he retained a youthful sense of fun and energy. It's one of the many things that made Chris endearing, and I will miss him a great deal.

Jeff Petersen

January 27, 2008

I will never forget the day my brother first brought Chris home with him. We listened to music and I beat him relentlessly at Super Mario Bros. 3. This of course infuriated Chris because he was unaccustomed to losing at anything. Finally he had all he could take of losing to his friends kid sister. He asked me one of my favorite questions to this day. "Are you going to go to Super Mario University?" My Brother and I have reminisced about that day many times. We even joked about getting a shirt made for him. Even though I was the annoying little sister, he always treated me with the respect of a peer. I thought of Chris as an older brother. I always will. In my heart he will always be forever young.

Kimm Gatlin

January 25, 2008

Christopher,
We never had the chance to meet, but your life resounded loudly through your sister. You have directly and indirectly touched many people, and your loss is the world's loss.
david

David Witonsky

January 25, 2008

We are truly shocked by Chris' sudden death. As a co-worker of Chris it was very refreshing to see someone so excited about his current job assignment and what he had to offer the Program.

I know that words, however kind, can't mend your heartache: but I want you to know that those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends. May God bless you. (Addie, LA County, DPH)

Addie Simon

January 25, 2008

The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you.

Dave Filippi Family

January 25, 2008

To the O'leary family:
My sincere & depest condolences for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you. God Bless.

Tony Jackson (Tim's step-son)

January 25, 2008

To Chris' family and friends, may God Bless you to move forward as you embrace the special moments and wonderful times you spent with Chris. I worked with Chris for a short time at his last place of employment. I remember him as a pleasant, happy-go-lucky type of guy. We shared conversation about his pets during his first days at the STD Program, and from there, casual co-worker communication continued. He was a nice man, and will be missed.

Honor Patterson Drake

January 25, 2008

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all those who were near and dear to Christopher. I hope that you can find some comfort knowing that he led his life with integrity and left the world a better place for everyone.

Meghan O'Leary

January 24, 2008

Michael, Regina, and everyone who loved Christopher;
Our heartfelt condolences. You are in our thoghts and prayers. We can't begin to fathom how this kind of trajedy can happen and we can only imagine how many good things will go undone because Christoher isn't here.

Timothy O'Leary

January 24, 2008

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