James A. O'Leary

…active member Knights of Columbus; 75

TEWKSBURY - James A. “Jimmie Indeed” O’Leary, age 75, a well known member of the greater Wilmington-Tewksbury area through his work with the Wilmington Knights of Columbus, died peacefully on Friday evening, December 6, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston from complications of a heart condition.  He was the beloved husband of Madeline “Midge” (Merrick) O’Leary, with whom he had celebrated a 53rd wedding anniversary this past June 18th.

“Jimmie Indeed” was born in Somerville, January 18, 1938, one of eight children of the late John P.  and Mary Frances (Pierce) O’Leary, raised in Somerville, and graduated from Somerville High School with the Class of 1956.  He went on to serve in the Massachusetts Army Reserves.  Jimmie and Midge had resided in Tewksbury since 1963.

He worked as a Teamster, Local 25, truck driver throughout his career, employed by Hemingway Transport and Carolina Freight companies at their Woburn terminals.  He maintained many long-time friendships through his membership in the Local 25 Retiree’s Club.

He was a devout Catholic and member of St. Dorothy’s Church in Wilmington. Active in the Knights of Columbus Catholic laymen’s fraternal organization, he served as Past Grand Knight of the Fr. Edmund Croke Council # 4982 in Wilmington, and was a Past Faithful Navigator of the Bishop Bernard Delany Assembly, Lowell Council 72.  He was an active member of both the Fr. Croke Council Darts and Cribbage Leagues.

Besides his beloved wife, he is survived by one brother, Robert O’Leary and his wife Victoria (Dodd) O’Leary of Tewksbury; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard F. “Rich” Merrick of Tewksbury, Thomas and Mary LoGuidice of Tewksbury, William and Donna Downie of Tyngsboro, James and Elaine Merrick of Dracut; many nieces and nephews; grand nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his sisters, Catherine Corey, M. Helen Mortenson, Margaret Woodworth, and Dorothy Merrick; and brothers, John Patrick O’Leary and William O’Leary.

Jimmie will be fondly remembered for his radiant warmth toward people, the twinkle in his eye, his quick smile and ability to calm a volatile situation. He was a beacon and inspiration for others in his love for his God and country, his deep devotion to his extended family, and his spirit of volunteerism and willingness to help anyone in need.

Visiting hours Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, ph (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950.  His funeral will begin on Wednesday at 8:45 from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Dorothy’s Church, corner of Harndon and Main Sts. (Rte. 38) Wilmington.  Burial will follow at Tewksbury Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Assn., 20 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701 are encouraged.  tewksburyfuneralhome.com