Joseph Henry O'Leary — In Loving Memory

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Joseph Henry O’Leary, Jr., 83, of Silsbee, died Tuesday, April 30, 2013. He was born on July 28, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Marcella and Joseph O’Leary. Joe served his country in the United States Navy and retired from Bethlehem Steel.

Joe was an AFLCIO Business Agent and served on the Executive Board of Sabine Area Labor Council. He was also active with Veterans Group in Louisiana.

Survivors include his wife, Billie O’Leary; sister-in-law, Marlene O’Leary of Blairsville, Pennsylvania; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Barbara Gaines; and close friend, Charles Brewer and his wife, Michele, of Silsbee. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Erma O’Leary; sons, Darrell O’Leary; Ricky O’Leary; and Craig O’Leary; daughter, Karen O’Leary; and brothers, Daniel O’Leary, Sr.; Richard O’Leary; and Robert O’Leary.

A gathering of Mr. O’Leary’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2013, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Resthaven Cemetery, Silsbee.

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Services

Visitation

Gathering of family and friends

Broussard’s Mortuary

490 Cemetery Road

Silsbee, TX 77656

May 3, 2013

5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

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Funeral Service

Broussard’s Mortuary

490 Cemetery Road

Silsbee, TX 77656

May 4, 2013

10:00 a.m.

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Interment

Rest Haven

South 3rd

Silsbee, TX 77656

Map ↗

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Condolences (5)

Elizabeth Gonzales Lumberton, TX May 3, 2013

I am sad to hear about the passing of Joe. He was a wonderful, caring, and thoughtful husband. Joe, you took excellent care of Ms. Billie. You always anticipated your wife's needs and went the extra mile to make sure that she was well taken care of. I always looked forward to coming to the O'Leary home because Joe and Billie always made me feel welcome. To say it best, they are both great people! I can recall many days when Joe entertained Billie, Sonnia, and I with stories of his service days and travels. Joe and Billie enjoyed life and would get in their van for a trip on the spur of the moment. They seemed to really enjoy their marriage.
Ms. Billie, you are in my thought and prayers. Keep Joe's memories close to you heart. I will come by your house for a visit real soon.
Love you, Elizabeth

Michelle Brewer Silsbee, TX May 3, 2013

Joe, thank you for the impact you had on people's lives. Many did not know the hardships you had to overcome throughout this life. You buried every one of your children and their mother. You fought for our country in the Korean war and walked away a decorated war hero. You beat alcoholism and cancer. You were the most headstrong and determined person I've ever known. Most of all, you were a wonderful husband who loved your wife and took care of her when she needed you the most - through cancer and illness. I know that often times, you were misunderstood. We will really miss your stories. We talked about writing that book for a long time and one of my biggest regrets is that we never made it happen. The world may never know the great man you were, but those that did will carry your memory with them. THANK YOU for your friendship, and the kindness and love you extended to our family. Thank you for caring so much about Charles. Thank you for the memories. Thanksgiving dinner won't be the same without you and Sis. Billie. We love you!

Shirley Cook Silsbee, TX May 2, 2013

God Bless you Sis Billie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe loved you and loved serving this great country that we live in. We will miss Joe at the FPC. He was good to our young people, always supporting their events. He liked going with the "Golden Eagles" out to eat. We enjoyed hearing his "war stories". He could tell a story that would take you right to the place and time. RIP Joe.