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John G. O'Leary

1926 - 2019

John G. O'Leary obituary, 1926-2019, Los Angeles, CA

BORN

1926

DIED

2019

John O'Leary Obituary

May 5, 1926 - June 5, 2019 John Garret O'Leary passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 5th, 2019 in his home in Hollywood, California. John was born May 5th, 1926 in Newton, Massachusetts, the youngest son of Joseph and Marion O'Leary. He is survived by his brother Joseph Gerald O'Leary of Santa Fe, New Mexico. John's passion for acting carried him from the Newton Playhouse to the stages of New York, and finally to Hollywood. Through his long career he touched the lives of everyone around him with his easy laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and a sincere caring for everyone he befriended. He was a kind and generous soul with a gift for comedic timing who loved and respected his craft. John took care of the people around him and left this world just a little better than he found it. He will be missed and remembered with love.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Jun. 19 to Jun. 21, 2019.

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Grey Shepard

April 18, 2021

John was my parents’ best friend and my “uncle” always. He witnessed their (Jean and Dick Shepard) wedding. He taught me how to shave. He spent hours drilling me on spelling homework. He always accepted me. I can hear his laugh and see how his eyes shown and how his genuine love of people was infectious. I’ve never known a kinder person. Nor someone who loved his work, his art, so much. John was a blessing. [email protected]

Marjorie Wilde

June 13, 2020

John used to quote a line from O'Casey's "Juno and the Paycock," when Juno despairs, "The whole worls in a state of chassis." Given what's happening globally today, and knowing how John detested what he always called "unpleasantless", there's no question in my mind that he would hate being here now, and is grateful to be peaceful and happy where he is now. I miss my virtual big brother more than I can ever say, and I will love him dearly always.

August 9, 2019

August 9,2019

A piece of my heart is with John, with whom I talked about 3 times a week, me in Maryland, John in N. Hollywood. He was the big brother I never had, Godfather to our daughter, Julie, and the last connection to anyone who knew me when I was 21. We met on West 16th St in the early '50's, and almost instantly became soulmates. He was responsible for my meeting Don, and the three of us were connected all of our lives. I loved him so dearly,and,Joe,I was talking to him the night he left. He adored his family, and you in particular.I would love to talk with you. My email: [email protected] share your grief...my life won't be the same without him.

Marjorie Wilde

Paul Pape

August 8, 2019

When I first arrived in Los Angeles in 1978, I I met John, who lived in the same building as I. We became friends. I was a hungry young performer just getting started and he was already an established journeyman character actor that I learned a lot from. After we both had moved out and went our separate ways, we stayed in touch for many years but gradually lost touch. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and especially regretful that I didn't have the chance to say goodbye. I wish I could have given him my thanks for his friendship and support. What a kind man he was. He will be missed but remembered for his generosity and wonderful spirit.

lisa dungan

June 21, 2019

will miss my wonderful poker friend!

John Oleary and Brian Dennehy Mother's Day 2018

June 21, 2019

John, of course I will always wish I'd spent more time with you than I did. You were a member of our family. You will always be missed. You were a beacon of kindness, compassion, joviality and fellowship. My heart breaks as you take your long journey.

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