Remembering John T O'Leary 2/16/2017
My uncle, John T O'Leary, was many things to many people. A devoted husband, loving father, caring uncle, and known by all as an outdoorsman and conservationist. John's love of the outdoors started at his aunt's farm, where he and his brother Dan and cousin Peter would make an untold number of unforgettable memories. One of my fondest stories was where the “boys” (as John, Dan and Peter were commonly referred) were out behind the farm and found a cow that their uncle had dragged out back after it had died. Johnny (John) had the bright idea to plug it full of 22's and needless to say, the boys quickly found themselves covered in a sticky mess.
As Johnny grew older, so too grew his library of stories to choose from, as his love of hunting, fishing and conservation continued to mature. He had a passion for all type of bird hunting and all sports related. I believe the only thing he enjoyed more than plucking a bird from the sky (clay or pheasant), was taking a newbie out to share his stories and educate them in the art of shooting. John took great pride in bringing out new sportsmen and women to shoot their first birds while his dogs would eagerly wait to retrieve and bring them to their master.
John was always involved at several sportsman's clubs and served on many a trap and sporting clay's committee. He was a dedicated member of the Worcester County League, in which he held many positions including President over the years. One of John's passions (known to all that knew him) was sharing is knowledge through the Worcester County League paper and his local newspaper.
It would be impossible to sum up all that John T O'Leary was, or what he accomplished for our community. For I, his nephew, John was a role model; a hero; a sportsman of the like of which I can only aspire. He taught me the art of shooting shotguns and worked with me over many hours breaking clays, going for the 10 ring, and drilling it into my head that one should never shoot large, dead animals without wearing appropriate clothing. I will never forget the sheer joy of shooting my first pheasant over his dogs, bass fishing in the summers and warmth even in the cold while ice fishing in the winters.
Johnny always had a joke and a story (or two) to share with those around him (or within earshot). I am sure that at Leicester Rod and Gun, Worcester County League, Addyville, many other sportsman's clubs around the state, and hunting cabins around the country John's stories will continue to be told, and the legend of the big Irish leprechaun will go on.
Rest in Peace uncle John.
My uncle, John T O'Leary, was many things to many people. A devoted husband, loving father, caring uncle, and known by all as an outdoorsman and conservationist. John's love of the outdoors started at his aunt's farm, where he and his brother Dan and cousin Peter would make an untold number of unforgettable memories. One of my fondest stories was where the “boys” (as John, Dan and Peter were commonly referred) were out behind the farm and found a cow that their uncle had dragged out back after it had died. Johnny (John) had the bright idea to plug it full of 22's and needless to say, the boys quickly found themselves covered in a sticky mess.
As Johnny grew older, so too grew his library of stories to choose from, as his love of hunting, fishing and conservation continued to mature. He had a passion for all type of bird hunting and all sports related. I believe the only thing he enjoyed more than plucking a bird from the sky (clay or pheasant), was taking a newbie out to share his stories and educate them in the art of shooting. John took great pride in bringing out new sportsmen and women to shoot their first birds while his dogs would eagerly wait to retrieve and bring them to their master.
John was always involved at several sportsman's clubs and served on many a trap and sporting clay's committee. He was a dedicated member of the Worcester County League, in which he held many positions including President over the years. One of John's passions (known to all that knew him) was sharing is knowledge through the Worcester County League paper and his local newspaper.
It would be impossible to sum up all that John T O'Leary was, or what he accomplished for our community. For I, his nephew, John was a role model; a hero; a sportsman of the like of which I can only aspire. He taught me the art of shooting shotguns and worked with me over many hours breaking clays, going for the 10 ring, and drilling it into my head that one should never shoot large, dead animals without wearing appropriate clothing. I will never forget the sheer joy of shooting my first pheasant over his dogs, bass fishing in the summers and warmth even in the cold while ice fishing in the winters.
Johnny always had a joke and a story (or two) to share with those around him (or within earshot). I am sure that at Leicester Rod and Gun, Worcester County League, Addyville, many other sportsman's clubs around the state, and hunting cabins around the country John's stories will continue to be told, and the legend of the big Irish leprechaun will go on.
Rest in Peace uncle John.
