John “Jack” T. O’Leary, Jr. passed away peacefully last week surrounded by his family. He died after a lifetime of service to his community at the Massachusetts Department of Employment Security. He enjoyed helping his fellow citizens, especially veterans, find gainful and rewarding employment in fields they wanted. A veteran himself, Jack served in the US Air Force 102nd Tactical Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. He was called to active duty by President Kennedy during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. He served overseas in Germany.
Born in Boston, Jack grew up in Milton and earned his degree from Boston College. He moved to Malden when he married the love of his life, Lorraine (Renda) O’Leary and raised their family. A long-time resident of Malden and recently North Reading, he was a member of the Sacred Hearts and St. Teresa’s communities. When his health permitted, he volunteered as an election poll worker in North Reading.
Jack is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Renda) O’Leary and his children Laureen Kay and her husband Stephen of North Reading, John “Jack” T. O’Leary III and his wife Carol Ann of Rowley and Paul A. O’Leary and his wife Lori of Bridgewater. He was the dear brother of Robert O’Leary of California and Doreen Christopher and her late husband Robert. Jack was the cherished grandfather of Andrew and Ryan Kay, Samuel and Jacob O’Leary and Katelyn and Abigail O’Leary. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
The funeral will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Friday, February 3rd at 9:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph’s Church, 770 Salem Street, Malden at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 3:00pm-7:00pm. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.