Brian O'Leary

Patrick Brian O'Leary was born on March 5, 1942 in St. John's, Newfoundland Canada to Vincent O'Leary & Margaret O'Leary (nee Snow). Some fun facts about Brian: He was born and raised in a fishing town, but he had a shellfish allergy and absolutely hated seafood. His family owned the butcher shop in town. Brian and his siblings would ice skate on the frozen ocean water, and laugh in the face of danger on a daily basis. As children we often hear from adults, ''when I was little we walked to school in blizzard conditions, up hill and barefoot'', but that was mostly true for Brian. Considering Canada never has, and never will know what a ''snow day'' is. Brian immigrated from St. John's, NF to Brooklyn, NY in 1958 when he was just 16 years old. Filling out his basic information on paperwork only to come to find out that he and his siblings all had first names that they never knew about! For whatever reason, most of his siblings were all called by their middle names. So, when someone would call for Patrick, he never batted an eye because he didn't know who you were talking to. Brian proudly served in the United States Army being stationed in Korea from March 9, 1964 to February 25, 1966. Upon returning home in 1966, Brian created some lifelong friendships. He was always willing and excited to share stories of the old days and about his friends from the neighborhood, some of who remained close with him for more than 50 years. Brian had an endearing nickname for most of these friendships, they were and will be forever known as ''ya snotty bastards''. Brian married his first wife Mary Vincenza Iaquinta on April 3, 1969. Their marriage was a happy but short lived one when Mary suddenly passed away on August 20, 1976. Leaving Brian a widow at just 36 years old with two young daughters, ages six & four. With the help of his family they raised Mary Frances & Kerry. A few years later, while working for Western Union as an electrician, Brian was also part owner of a local bar in Bensonhurst Brooklyn where he met his future in-laws, Bill & Kay Whelehan who introduce Brian to their daughter Kathleen. Brian & Kathy began dating, and were married May 30, 1981. Shortly after they purchased a home in the Huguenot section of Staten Island where they added 3 more daughters Shannon, BriAnne & Ryan. Working at Western Union, then transitioning over to the FDNY Communications Electrician, IBEW Local 3. It is important to note that Brian was indeed color blind. He became an expert at electrocuting himself and teaching himself what color shaded wires NOT to cross. Brian was a gifted story teller, an extremely hard working family man who was always working 2 jobs to make ends meet. He was a perfect combination of funny, caring, and generous beyond his means. He was happy to help, in any way he possibly could. You never had to ask the man twice for anything. If he had it, and you needed it, it was yours. No questions asked. He was everyone's favorite person, and we are all better for knowing him. Brian was famous for the ''Irish goodbye'', when he was done, he done. No goodbyes or explanations necessary. We think it is important for people to know that Brian's favorite life motto was, ''it is what it is''. There are some things in life that are just out of our control, and we can't change. Because if we could, Brian wouldn't have had to fight dementia and Parkinson's for the last 5 years and he would still be here with us today. But there are so many stories about him from so many people, that his spirit and memory will live on for many years to come. Brian wouldn't want you to waste your money on flowers, so please instead send donations to his favorite charity, St. Jude's Children's Foundation and/or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation. The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd. (at Eltingville Station), Staten Island, New York. Cremation will be private.

Brian O'Leary

March 5, 1942 - December 27, 2022