Patrick Joseph O'Leary, Jr.

Patrick Joseph O’Leary, Jr., 82, who went by both Patrick and Joseph, of Hillside, N.J., died of respiratory failure on February 2, 2022, peacefully and surrounded by his loving family.  Patrick was predeceased by his wife Emily (nee Burke) of Jersey City, N.J.; his parents, Patrick Joseph Sr. of Gougane Barra, Co. Cork, and Nora (nee McCole) of Inishfree Island, Co. Donegal; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his adoring daughters, Erin (Brian) Reilly of Delmar, N.Y.;  and Colleen (Robert) Meagher of Bethlehem, PA.; his loving brothers Rev. Hilary Charles O’Leary, O.S.B of St. Mary’s Abbey, Morristown, N.J.; John and his wife Barbara of Alexandria, VA.; and Timothy and his wife Patricia of Elizabeth, N.J.; and the lights of his life, his most precious grandchildren, Connor Reilly, Claire Reilly, Caitlin Meagher, Finn Patrick Reilly, and Brendan Meagher. Patrick is also survived by his brother-in-law Tom Burke and wife Kristina of Ridgewood, N.J.; and sister-in-law Patricia Slattery and her husband Patrick of Manchester, N.J.; nieces and nephew, dozens of cousins both in the U.S. and Ireland, and his devoted aides, Florence Guzman and Eleanor Biggie.

Born to Irish immigrants in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Patrick grew up making deliveries from his Uncle’s Jim’s milk truck and playing in the school yards with his brothers and cousins who lived nearby.  He was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament grade school and of Sacred Heart High School Elizabeth, Class of 1957. He studied at Seton Hall University while working at Prudential Insurance in Newark, before becoming a Union County Sheriff’s Officer, where he proudly served the community for thirty-two years.  After retiring, Patrick began working at funeral homes as a greeter and limousine driver.  

Patrick had been an active and dedicated member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Hillside, the Knights of Columbus in Elizabeth, The Joseph Nugent Sr. Association, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, and PBA Local 108, where he served as past President. He moved to Bethlehem, PA, to be closer to his daughter as he faced health problems. 

Before suffering a stroke in 2007, he marched every year in the St. Patrick’s Day parades locally with the Joseph Nugent Sr. Association and in NYC with the County Donegal contingent.  He loved traveling, took many road trips and vacations all over the country with Emily and the girls, and could remember every highway in every state well enough to give directions forty years later.  He especially loved his trips to Ireland to see his uncle and many cousins, and to sit in Gougane Barra, County Cork and watch the clouds roll in (and out). 

Known for his devotion to his Catholic faith, his indomitable spirit, his Irish wit, his dependability and his loyalty, Patrick was an inspiration to others.  He fought back time-and-time again from multiple ailments and illnesses, without any complaints.  He always found the strength to recover. His main hobbies in life revolved around his children and their families. 

Patrick was a patient and attentive audience as his grandchildren demonstrated their skills. He provided supportive and gentle guidance as they discussed their future plans.  He relished seeing all of the children he once knew grow-up and achieve such successes as adults. He celebrated for them. When times were troubled for people, he provided prayers and was a great listener who always encouraged people to trust themselves for answers. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and prior to the funeral mass on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 9:00 AM.  Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield, N.J. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Abbey Church / Delbarton, 230 Mendham Road, Morristown. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Newark. We ask that all those in attendance please wear masks.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to St. Mary’s Abbey Infirmary, 230 Mendham Road, Morristown, NJ 07960.

For those wishing to livestream the funeral, please use the following link:

https://youtu.be/c1vQOJJZx_k
In case of error, the link to the main St. Mary's Abbey page can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYv7d-HobWPBzq236eaxQg

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