Neil F. O'Leary

Neil F. O'Leary 1928 - 2007 CHICOPEE, MA - Neil Francis O'Leary, 79, of Chicopee, MA. passed away December 27, 2007 surrounded by his loving family. Neil was born on February 12, 1928 to the late Irene (Lariviere) and Cornelius O'Leary. He moved to Fairview in 1930 and lived most of his life in Chicopee. Neil attended Chicopee schools and graduated from Chicopee High School in 1945, where he played football and was voted the class wit. Neil joined the United States Marine Corp. serving in the First Marine Division in WWII. He later attended Holyoke Junior College, American International College, and Franklin Technical Institute where he was voted Class President. Neil served a second tour of duty as a sergeant aboard the USS Oglethorpe. In 1955 he founded Sentry Cleaners, Inc., and in 1962 expanded to Sentry Uniform, and Sentry Flag and Banner. Neil was active with the Dry Cleaners Association, the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, where he was the founder of the Chicopee Fireball Club. He later fathered the Chicopee Kielbase Festival. Neil also belonged to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League and the China Marine Association. He previously served on the Holyoke Hospital Board of Directors, the Bicentennial Committee, Chicopee Savings Bank Board Corporation, Galaxy Committee and Airport Advisory Committee to Westover Air Force Base. A highlight of Neil's life was being honored as the 2004 Chicopee Parade Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Neil is survived by his loving wife, Marion, three devoted children, Patricia Biela and her husband, Gary of South Hadley, Michael O'Leary of Chicopee, and Eileen Pare and her husband, Donald of Chicopee. He also leaves three step-children, Linda Smola and her husband Greg of Springfield, Susan Hurst of Ludlow, and Steven Berryman of West Milford, NJ. He leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Neil and Marion split their time between Chicopee and Venice, FL, where he pursued his hobbies of aviation and playing the banjo. He will be remembered for love of family, his kindness, generosity, intelligence, patriotism, community involvement and pride for his Irish heritage. Calling hours for Neil will be held on Sunday December 30 from 4-8 pm at the Ryder Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St, South Hadley, Mass. Neil's funeral and burial in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam will be held privately. In lieu of flowers memorial contributiions can be made to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, Mass 01701. Or Epilepsy Foundation, 540 Gallivan Blvd, Boston, Mass. 02124. RYDER FUNERAL HOME 533-1735