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STEPHEN O'LEARY Obituary
Born in 1926 in Natick, MA, Mr. O'Leary grew up in Providence and spent many summers at his grandparents' farm, Laurel Farm, in Sherborn, MA. Mr. O'Leary graduated from Classical High School in Providence in 1943. He served as senior class president and achieved All-State recognition for his skill in ice hockey.
Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy's V-12 program, attending Hobart College and graduating in 1947 from Dartmouth College. A 21-year, career naval officer, Mr. O'Leary's roles included Assistant Naval Attach to the U.S. Embassy in Rio de Janeiro and Commanding Officer of USS Corporal (SS-346).
Mr. O'Leary often recalled the Corporal's 1960-1961 European deployment, during which he hosted Prince Ranier and Princess Grace of Monaco on a brief cruise. Princess Grace reciprocated by inviting Mr. O'Leary as a guest of honor, and her dinner partner, to a formal New Years Eve celebration at the Prince's Palace of Monaco. In 1968, Mr. O'Leary retired from the U.S. Navy to pursue his passion for teaching. He spent the next twenty years at Valley Regional High School in Deep River, CT teaching mathematics and coaching baseball and girls' tennis.
While stationed in New London in the early 1950s, Mr. O'Leary met his wife, the former Patricia Ann Rapp, a pianist then teaching at Connecticut College. They married in June 1954. Mr. O'Leary enjoyed a beautiful sail, a great game of tennis, Maine lobster and coffee ice cream. He loved family get-togethers and the Red Sox. A man of true integrity, he was always a gentleman. He is dearly missed.
In addition to his wife, Mr. O'Leary is survived by a son, Stephen J. O'Leary, III, of Chestnut Hill, MA, a daughter, Nancy O'Leary Davis of Bronxville, NY, a son, Thomas M. O'Leary of Groton, CT and ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Smith of Scottsdale, AZ.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 1st, from 6pm-8pm at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10am on Wednesday, June 2nd at Christ the King Church in Old Lyme. Interment will follow at the Duck River Cemetery in Old Lyme.
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Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN O'LEARY
Kathy Tilton
May 22, 2023
I love Mr. O´Leary! He was my home room teacher for my 4 years at VRHS. I was thinking about him, just the other day! I look forward to seeing him in Heaven! Before one of my Tennis matches he told me: "Just go out there and win the last point!" He served his Country & was a wonderful teacher & friend! God Bless Mr. O´Leary!
Kathy Tilton
November 29, 2010
Mr. O'leary was my homeroom teacher for all 4 years at VRHS. I knew him as our assistant tennis coach, and I also knew him through the Old Saybrook Racquet Club. He was a pleasure to be around. All of the students just loved him. The baseball players adored him too! What a wonderful man, please accept my condolences.
November 1, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the O'Leary family.
It was an honor to have Mr. O'Leary for Geometry. He engaged a class of students to listen and understand, not just about math but so much more.
Ann Pianta Kollegger VRHS 1987
Debbie Savoie-DeMaio
July 15, 2010
My most sincere sympathies to the O'Leary family. I can only reiterate the many commments about what a wonderful teacher he was. I was in his class for both Geometry and Algebra II, and learned so much, most importantly, that Math was not painful! I can only hope that I leave as many lasting and precious memories with the students I interact with.
Janece schneider
June 22, 2010
Mr. O'Leary was one of the best and most memorable High School teachers I was fortunate to have. He was my homeroom teacher for 4 years and one year for Math... I never got beyond Algebra (I'm not a fan of math) but Mr. O'Leary made it one of the best math classes possible... I never new math could be fun! Rest In Peace, you will always be remembered by the great impact you had on students. God Bless you.
Cheryl (Kelly) Handy
June 7, 2010
What a terrible loss for your family! Mr. O'Leary was by far the most influencial teacher in my entire school career and I am so saddened to hear of his passing. Not only did he teach me the fundamentals of mathematics, he taught me to have to pride in myself, to hold my head high, and because of him I survived the social cruelty of high school. My deepest condolences to your entire family! Cheryl (Kelly) Handy
Jerry Zeoli
June 3, 2010
To the family of Steve O'leary. As a class mate I was very sorry to hear about Steve. May I send my deepest sympathies to a good friend. and great person. Jerry
Jay Filipski
June 2, 2010
Mrs. O'Leary, Stevie, Nancy and Tommy,
I was very saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. I have many fond memories of Oak Ridge Drive and your family is ever present in all of them.
Jay Filipski
Donna Reeves
June 2, 2010
May his infectious smile and sense of humor live on in all of his 'students'. A blessing to have known him. VRHS 87'
Donna Reeves
Bill Worthley
June 2, 2010
There are few great men, there are even fewer great leaders of men. Captain O'Leary was an exemplary member of the "Great Leader's Club". I was privileged to have been a member of the crew during his 1960 - 61 deployment. We were well trained to do the duties assigned, but Captain O'Leary also added "color" to our submarine life.
Who else would invite high fashion models from Paris to have a photo shoot on our sub? (PS, up close, they really aren't that beautiful!) And of course, inviting Prince Rainer, Princess Grace and the Princes' father to ride out into the Med aboard Corporal. I was a Third Class Sonarman at the time and I clearly remember being inches away from Princess Grace as I gave her a tour of our three foot by six foot sonar shack. Yes, she was that beautiful!
Thank you Captain for all the great memories!
Captain, USS Corporal departing,
Right Hand, Salute
William C. "Bill" Worthley
Lt. USNR
Ned Tyler
June 1, 2010
Captain O'Leary was my first skipper and always a marker by which to measure all the subsequent ones.
David Perreault
June 1, 2010
Capt. O'Leary was a great skipper. Sailed far north with him on the USS Corporal.
Beth Atwood Horton Class of 1977
June 1, 2010
Mr. O'Leary was one of my favorite teachers at VRHS, and the only one that was able to make me understand how 53+X=Y. His patience and gentle good humor were so appreciated. I have thought of him fondly over the years. My condolences to his family, he will be greatly missed.
Jack Pegram
June 1, 2010
I have sailed Subs with the best and have been led by the best, but none better then Captain O'Leary, Right behind you Captain.
Jack
Wayne Oney
May 31, 2010
Steve O’Leary was one of the finest Naval Officers to ever wear the uniform. As his Chief of the Boat when he was XO of THORNBACK and later as a member of his CORPORAL wardroom, I can testify that those of us who were privileged to serve under his leadership benefitted from the example he set every day. He approached every undertaking with enthusiasm, always with the goal of completing it to perfection and with the expectation that his subordinates would do the same. He always insured the best interests of his crew were served and that they were afforded every possible opportunity to advance their careers. He took a personal interest in each of his sailors and their family’s well being. In short, he was a great leader.
My sincere condolences to Pat and the rest of his family.
May 30, 2010
Mr. O'Leary was a true gentleman and a fine teacher. I'm honored to have known him.
Glenn Seibert
VRHS '83
May 29, 2010
I have fond memories of Mr. O'leary, both as a teacher and a baseball coach. He was one of my favorite teachers. There were a group of us that would go to the glastonbury hockey rink late on a friday or saturday night and Mr O'leary would often join us, he was an excellent hockey player! My condolences to his family..... David Hall VRHS class of 78
May 29, 2010
O'Leary Family,
It is with great sadness that I learn of Cdr O'Leary's passing. I served with him on Corporal SS346. He was indeed a good skipper. I was an EM1 (SS) and the Catholic Lay Leader at the time. I remember one Sunday we were at sea, and I had the watch in maneurving at the time services were to be held. When the skipper learned that I hadn't gotten myself a relief to hold services he send another electrician to releave me with the message for me to report to the wardroom when services were over. That was a good lesson in humility for me.
He will be remembered fondly during Corporal reunions.
Lcdr. Chuck Micele USN Ret.
Bob Machen
May 29, 2010
I served under "Cap'n" O'Leary aboard Corporal. He was a great skipper, who's duty it was to take us places none of us really wanted to be. Conversely, he managed to always get us home safely, leaving some exciting times in our wake.
I probably knew a side of the man that his family and students never saw, the side that made him well liked, and respected by a boat full of sailors. Each of us benefitted from knowing him.
Steve O'Leary was a good man, the kind we need more of.
My sincere condolences to the entire family.
May you have fair winds and following seas, Skipper. Rest Your Oar.
Dorinda Sheridan Burrell
May 29, 2010
Sorry to hear of Mr. O'Leary's passing. He was a great teacher always caring as much for the student as he did the lessons. He was such an encouragement to me especially when I chose to enter the Air Force.(class of '76)
Linda Herel Tanabe (VRHS 1989)
May 29, 2010
Mr. O'Leary was truly a wonderful teacher, and a kind, caring gentleman. His great confidence in me as a student was one of the greatest blessings any teacher ever bestowed. Like so many others, I have thought of him often. He made an impact on so many lives, and will always be remembered fondly. My condolences to his family. God Bless.
jon moorhouse
May 29, 2010
Mr O'Leary was a wonderful man and a fantastic teacher. i offer my condolences to his family. he lived a full and exciting life, doing what he loved. another lesson to all. he will be missed.
Pattie Unan
May 29, 2010
My sympathy to the O'Leary family; Mr. O'Leary was a wonderful teacher who took time to make sure we all understood and gave credit for sincere efforts made. He is among the influences in my life that made me choose the USAF after graduation and I will always be grateful for his kindness and dedication to his students. Pattie Johnson Unan (VRHS Class of 1980).
Tom Winnard
May 29, 2010
I served with Capt O'leary on the Corporal,he was a great leader and it was an honor to serve with.
Sailor Rest Your Oar
andy walters
May 29, 2010
i have fond memories of Mr. O'leary. always cheerful even when the homework wasn't done. My condolences to his family. --Andy Walters
Mark Walters (Class of 81)
May 28, 2010
Deepest sympathy to the O'Leary family.
Mr. O'Leary was the best of the best teachers. Thru his patience and positiveness, Mr. O'Leary actually turned Geometry into my favorite class! Yes, Geometry!
That says much.
Thank you, Mr. O'Leary. And God bless.
Tom & Jen Rozanski
May 28, 2010
What a beautiful tribute ......well deserved.
Dee Willis Eggert
May 28, 2010
Mr. O'Leary was my favorite teacher at VRHS. Not only was he a wonderful and patient teacher, he took time out to really listen to me as I dealt with typical teen struggles and was always there with a big congrats when our team brought home a victory. He will always be remembered with much respect and admiration. Thank you, Mr. O'Leary, for the memories!!
M Thompson
May 28, 2010
As a former student at VRHS (Class of 1990) I remember Mr. O'Leary very fondly. He was a great teacher, a friendly man, and by what I read he had a full life - he will be missed and remembered by many many students
May 28, 2010
Deepest Sympathy to your family.
Mr. O'Leary was a wonderful teacher....I never look at a geometric figure without thinking of his "Alpha, Beta, Charlie...." designations......what a gentleman! God Bless.
-- Susan Pogodzienski Peck (VRHS 1985)
MaryAnn Messina-Mackin
May 28, 2010
A very gentle soul and always the gentleman. I am very sorry for your loss, although I hope that you do know he is held dearly in God's arms now, where he is safe and looking down on all of his loved ones as their Angel. Teacher, coach, person...what a man of excellent charactor. I am a better person for knowing him in all capacity's.
Douglas Crandall
May 28, 2010
I served in Corporal as Enginering Officer when Steve was "Captian"
The passage through the Kiel Canal and the Holidays in Monaco were the greatest.
He was a great commanding officer, the wardroom and the crew were as one.
It was fun to go to sea with his skills and leadership.
I recall his home in Summerville SC
All who served with him in Corporal will remember
Doug Crandall in Groton
Kathy Ward Raymond (VRHS 1990)
May 28, 2010
Mr. O'Leary..."alpha, beta, charlie" and "smooth sailing" He was one of my favorite teachers of all time. Mr. O'Leary is probably the main reason I enjoy teaching math to students today. Many of my math stories that I tell my students are about him or things he taught me. He is that teacher from the Hallmark commercial. The one you should go back to thank after all these years. I'm sorry Mr. O'Leary that I never did, but you were thought of often. Thanks for being so wonderful. My deepest condolences to your family.
Rick Werwaiss
May 28, 2010
Dear O'Leary Family -
Mr. O'Leary was as upstanding a gentleman as was ever born. Though I only knew him for 4 years I always admired him.
Best, wishes.
Rick Werwaiss VHRS '83
Beth Ann Carrano Grant
May 28, 2010
To the O'Leary Family,
I am sadded to learn of his passing. He was a great man who gave all fond memories. My condolences to you
Susan Schofield Lowry
May 28, 2010
Mr. O'Leary was a wonderful teacher. I remember him fondly and am so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed.
May 28, 2010
To the O'Leary Family,
My condolences to you. He taught more to the students at VRHS than just math and tennis. He always had life lessons and wonderful stories to tell. What a beautiful obituary of his life.
Sincerely,
Teri (Filippi) Seibert
May 28, 2010
Thank you for being my teacher.....our teacher. Justine Wojcik-Spadea Class of 1987.
Debra Langer
May 28, 2010
Dear Steven, Nancy and Tommy;
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. I have only good memories of Oak Ridge Dr. and he is a part of that.
Sincerely,
Deb Langer
Laurie Smith Fitzpatrick
May 28, 2010
To Aunt Pat, Stevie, Nancy, and Tommy,
I was so saddend to hear of Uncle Steve's death. I have so many fond memories of him, especially playing tennis with him and sailing. I can close my eyes and still see our parents together, sitting at your kitchen table, joking and laughing and young!
My most heart-felt thoughts and prayers go to you and your families.
Love from your cousin,
May 28, 2010
"Fair winds and following seas", Shipmate.
Tom O'Donnell
May 28, 2010
A true gentleman. I have some very fond memories of Mr. O'Leary from high school. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to his family, and may he be granted eternal peace.
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