Dr. Dennis Sophian O'Leary passed away on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, 85 years and one day after his birth in Kansas City's Menorah Hospital to writer/editor Theodore Morgan O'Leary and Mrs. Emily Sophian O'Leary of Fairway, Kansas. His maternal grandparents were internist Dr. Abraham Sophian Sr. and Mrs. Estelle Felix Sophian of Mission, Kansas. His paternal grandparents were University of Kansas professor of English Raphael Dorman ("R. D.") O'Leary and Mrs. Mathilde Hendricks O'Leary of Lawrence, Kansas. Dennis was the top male academic graduate in his class of 599 students at his beloved Shawnee Mission High School in 1956. After earning his bachelor's degree in 1960 from Harvard College and his doctor of medicine degree in 1964 from Cornell University Medical College (of which Drs. Abraham Sophian Sr. and Jr. were alumni, classes of 1906 and 1941), he trained in internal medicine and hematology at the University of Minnesota Hospitals and Strong Memorial Hospital. He headed the blood coagulation unit in the hematology laboratory at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research from 1969 to 1972, attaining the rank of major in the US Army. In 1972, he joined the internal medicine faculty at George Washington University Medical School, being promoted to full professor by 1979. He loved administration and became dean for clinical affairs at GWU Medical Center in 1979, in which role he became nationally known as the calm, articulate spokesman in the roiling aftermath of the assassination attempt on US President Ronald Reagan (March 30, 1981), who received his care at GWU Hospital. The membership of the District of Columbia Medical Society elected Dennis-an academic teaching physician-as their president (1983-1984), during which time he helped guide the rational updating of the city's archaic hospital licensure laws. In 1985, leaders of the Am. Med. Assoc., Am. Hosp. Assoc., Am. Coll. of Surgeons, Am. Coll. of Physicians, and Am. Dental Assoc. persuaded Dennis to serve as president of the Chicago-based Joint Commission, the major US accrediting body of hospitals and other health care organizations. He served unswervingly for twenty-one years in that role, instilling a patient-centered ethic and leading difficult initiatives in performance measurement, continuous improvement, and patient safety. Dennis always wanted to come home to Kansas City, which he finally was able to do in 2007. He rehabilitated his childhood house, adding a library to hold his late parents 15,000 books still stacked up floor to ceiling in most of its rooms. He was a devoted sports fan and expert crossword puzzle solver. He was a quiet but intense person with a beautiful resonant speaking voice, a quick droll wit, and a twinkle in his eye even during the tensest moments. He developed Parkinson's disease in 2013 and lived with it for ten years before succumbing to its ravages. His younger brother Theodore Morgan O'Leary Jr. pre-deceased him in 1972. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dr. Margaret Wiedman O'Leary and their children Margaret Rose and Theodore Morgan II. Please sign the Guestbook at www.legacy.com/washingtontimes

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Published by Washington Times on Feb. 2, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis O'Leary

Sponsored by Amos Family Funeral Home & Crematory.

29 Entries

george r bowers MD

August 12, 2025

Dr . O'Leary was one of my favorite mentors when i was in the Heme-Onc program at GW. he taught me much in hematology but especially in Coagulation. I still use much of what the taught me when I teach PAs/ thanks Dennis

Heather Kirk Thomas, Ph.D

January 27, 2024

Dennis O'Leary was a shining halo in the O'Leary family when I was at Shawnee Mission High School. We were not friends, but I was very close to his younger brother Theodore Morgan O'Leary, who we all called "Morgan." Morgan always spoke admirably of his big brother and felt sometimes shadowed by all his accomplishments. Their family was intellectually superior to most of the parental models I knew at the time,, and I, and my friends, held them in high esteem. I especially remember their beautiful book-filled home,, and was so happy to see that Dennis had restored it and also named his son after his younger brother. What an unusually demanding life Dennis lived. Condolences to his wife and children from an old school acquaintance.

Joanne Born

April 9, 2023

I was honored to work for Dennis at the Joint Commission for 10 years. He was an extraordinary and visionary leader, always approachable, and seemed to remember first names of everyone on staff. I loved his dry humor, incredible passion for patient safety, even his wholehearted support of the employee choir Holiday performance. I myself have experienced positive outcomes because of all his work to bring performance measurement and patient safety to the forefront of care. We were blessed to have his tenacity. Sending my condolences to his family.

Michael Frumkin

February 12, 2023

Hi Margaret. It's Mike Frumkin. I just saw Dennis' obituary in the NYT today. Very sorry to hear. I remember you fondly, and hope that you are doing well. You were one of my favorite colleagues. It's been a while since we were at NWCH. Plenty of years have passed; so saddened for your loss. Wishing you well.

Nancee Bender, PhD

February 11, 2023

I am sorry for the loss of Dr. O'Leary who offered his respect and care for those receiving health care. He dedicated his career life to learning and teaching about health care system improvement in keeping patients safe. I am grateful and feel privileged to have been on his team and to have been part of the beginning of the patient safety national and international focus. My condolences to his family.

K. Tina Donahue, RN, MBA, FAAN

February 7, 2023

DSO as we fondly referred to him, was the best person I ever worked for. He put his faith in me to do a difficult job and helped me to thrive professionally. He was open to providing competent women with work opportunities we might otherwise not have had. He was brilliant and made changes in our Healthcare system that were extremely difficult to pull off, but that helped improve US patient care and safety. He supported our efforts to spread the use of standards of care to other countries. I learned much from him. He changed my professional life dramatically. Margaret, Margaret Rose and Teddy please accept my condolences for the loss of your spouse and Dad.....a great man.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

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Amy Wilson-Stronks

February 6, 2023

I am saddened to learn of Dr. O'Leary's passing. I was fortunate to have worked at The Joint Commission under his leadership. I was inspired by his willingness to fight for patient safety. It was an honor to me when called to meet with him, even when the meeting was prompted by some sort of trouble I may have caused. He was tough, but encouraging. Praise from him had to be well deserved. I became a better professional through my experience working with him and the team he created. He had great humanity, and he even signed a poster I made for my own father when he was hospitalized. That meant so very much. My heart goes out to his family. Please know his legacy will be remembered by many.

Maureen Bisognano

February 6, 2023

Sending love to you all at this sad time of loss. Dennis meant so much to so many and led a new way to think about what quality means in health care. His book detailing his amazing life brought so many memories and so much joy. He made a great difference in this world with his wonderful life.

Kristin Hellquist

February 5, 2023

I was very saddened to hear of Dr. O'Leary's passing. I truly enjoyed working with him at the Joint Commission and learned so much from him. He was an amazing and visionary leader. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Jeffrey B. Kramer, M.D.

February 5, 2023

We had the pleasure and privilege of spending some time with Dr. O'Leary and his lovely wife several years ago in their home. He offered recollections about his famous family whom they had also written about - Dr. Abraham Sophian Sr. and Captain Bud Sophian, the latter a physician who died during the invasion of Normandy. Our heartfelt condolences to Margaret and the entire O'Leary family.

Shelby Dunster

February 4, 2023

His vision and the mission of The Joint Commission were perfectly aligned. And his leadership of a complex organization always appeared effortless.

Tom Bertone

February 4, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Steven Summer

February 4, 2023

Sorry for you loss. Dennis was a thoughtful, caring leader. I have fond memories of working with him as I began my health care career. He will be missed.

William Jessee, MD

February 3, 2023

Dennis was at first a mentor, and later a great friend, colleague and role model. We worked together for a number of years after he hired me as a Joint Commission VP in 1986. We worked together for 5years, and after I left for two years (1991-1993) I returned to the Joint Commission for 2 more years.
After I moved on to other roles in health care Managment and policy , I continued to seek input from Dennis--he was both knowledgeable and personable. I feel that he shaped my career more than any other person I worked with. I will miss him.

Ann Sobczak

February 3, 2023

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. O'Leary was truly a remarkable leader and I'm fortunate to have had the privilege to work under his leadership for over a decade. His dedication to patient and public safety was unmatched. He will be missed.

Dr. John F. Helfrick

February 3, 2023

I had the honor and privilege of serving for 17 years on various Joint Commission committees, including 9 years on the Board of Commissioners, and two as Board Chair. Dr. O'Leary epitomized the essence of leadership - he was one of a kind. His ability to keep the lid on some very contentious Board meetings never ceased to amaze me. And once the meeting was over, he once again became the "Dennis" that we all loved and admired. My years working with Dr. O'Leary were among the most rewarding of my professional career. He dearly loved his family and healthcare in our country is better because of his commitment to improving quality and patient safety.
Dr. John F. Helfrick

Stephen Davidow

February 3, 2023

It was quite an experience to work at the Joint Commission under Dennis´s leadership. He had vision and passion and he shared that with every employee. His influence and impact on healthcare quality and patient safety, as well as many careers will be felt for a long time. Thank you for you for all you did, Dennis.

Steve Berman

February 3, 2023

Dennis was a gifted and compelling leader who impressed on us all the credo of measurement and improvement. His town hall talks, in which he provided a tour d´horizon of the current health care scene, were highlights of working at The Joint Commission. We dearly valued his insights and judgment, even if, on one memorable occasion, he had his secretary deliver an early 1990s 3-article issue of QRB with a post it note reading, "Pretty skimpy issue."

Raymond Scalettar, MD, DSc

February 3, 2023

Dear Margie and family, my sincere condolences on the death of Dennis. I was there at the battles of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia. But his most important battle was yet to come at the Joint Commission, fighting adversaries who wanted nothing but the status quo. He was equal to the task and fought diplomatically and courageously. He was successful. His memory and what he accomplished will endure.

"And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small."

I revere his accomplishments. He fought the good battle.
Dennis was never faint of heart.

Margie, I remember!

Ray

Raymond Scalettar MD, DSc

Bil

February 3, 2023

I read and reread the 1914-1915 diary of Prof. R.D. O'Leary often. Your memories are a blessing.

Thomas Waters

February 2, 2023

A Life well lived, and a credit to his name. I know that he will be sorely missed. God Speed him to Eternal Glory.

Paul Schyve, M.D.

February 2, 2023

Dr. Dennis O´Leary was a wonderful mentor and friend. He was a fearless, wise and clear-eyed advocate for patient care quality and safety. Under his leadership, The Joint Commission was a powerful influence in improving patient care in the United States and internationally. It was a pleasure and an honor to work for him for over 20 years - he is sorely missed.

Suzanne Feld, RN, BS, MHR

February 2, 2023

I had the great fortune of working at The Joint Commission during Dr. O’Leary’s leadership tenure. I’m saddened at his passing. Under his leadership and impassioned efforts, The Joint Commission vastly improved the quality and safety of healthcare across this entire nation. A truly amazing legacy.

Billie Sheeran

February 2, 2023

I worked at the Joint Commission when Dr. O´Leary was President. He was a very kind gentleman and was driven to improve safety in hospitals. I´m sorry to hear of his passing and offer my deepest condolences to the family . RIP Dr. O´Leary. You served mankind well.

Stephen C Anderson

February 2, 2023

Dr. O'Leary - My thanks to you for your visionary leadership during my time as a Joint Commission surveyor. I'm saddened by your passing but eternally grateful I got to meet and know you.
Thank you for the wonderful memories, mentorship, and caring for all of us. Best,
Stephen C. Anderson

Terri Tye

February 2, 2023

I'm among scores of current and former Joint Commission employees who had the privilege to work under Dennis's leadership. His brilliance, commitment, and high standards for work well done, are a continuing influence. He leaves with a lasting mark on so many of us.

Barb Anderson (formerly Phipps)

February 2, 2023

Dr. O'Leary, I am so saddened to hear about your passing. I have such fond memories of working with you in the Dept of Board & Committee Activities as a meeting coordinator at JC for 6 y+ yrs. I always looked up to you as a strong leader and visionary, and loved your calm demeanor, style and wit. Thank you for your years of dedication to JC, you will surely be missed by all who loved you.

Terry Wilson

February 1, 2023

Dennis was a beautiful man. Very, very, bright but calm, gentle and reasonable. I had the privilege of meeting Dennis and Margaret later in Dennis' life when he had returned to Kansas City. A gentleman in every sense of the word and truly a remarkable human being. Condolences to Margaret and the entire family. He will be missed.

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