Terence "Terry" O'Leary

Terry M. O’Leary passed away unexpectedly at his home in Temperance, MI on July 4th, 2024. Terry was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 29th, 1950 to Martin and Mary (Cannon) O’Leary.

Terry grew up in Chicago and moved to Toledo, OH with his family in 1964 where he then attended and graduated from Central Catholic High School and The University of Toledo. He worked in sales and also spent many years teaching Karate at the University of Toledo. Some of Terry’s hobbies included swimming, reading, traveling, watching football, and writing.

One of Terry’s greatest accomplishments was becoming an author and speaker. He is the critically acclaimed author of nine books, three of which focus on the potato famine and the coming of the Irish to America. His passion about his Irish heritage led him to research his family history, the history of the Irish, and make multiple visits to Ireland. He gave numerous talks about the Potato Famine at libraries, universities, Zoom conferences and Irish festivals. He inspired others with his hard work and dedication. At heart he was a storyteller who loved to teach, entertain and inspire those around him. He always encouraged his daughters to follow their dreams.

Most of all, Terry loved spending time with his wife, Karen and daughters, Brittany (Kevin) Welch, Erin (Alyssa Cain) O’Leary and grandchildren, Sienna, Cora and Brady. They were his greatest joy and he took immense pride in them. He attended all of his children’s and grandchildren’s events and always made them a priority. He loved to play cards and chess with them. Many wonderful memories were created enjoying dinners all together and taking family trips. He loved to travel with Karen and carried on and instilled that love of travel in his daughters and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed and his memory will be cherished in the hearts of his family and friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Karen (Kluczynski) O’Leary; his parents, Martin and Mary (Cannon) O’Leary; and his sister, Patty (O’Leary) Hall. He is remembered by his sisters, Peggy (Ed) Miller, Pam (Bill Holmes) O’Leary, Colleen (Marty) Sweeney, and Nancy (Theresa Heyse) O’Leary; brother-in-law, Tom Hall; Karen’s siblings, Anna (Randy) Neubauer, Paul (Jennifer) Kluczynski, Suzanne (Bill Vas) Born, and Gary (Renee) Kluczynski.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held at Highland Meadows Golf Club located at 7455 Erie Street, Sylvania, OH 43560 on Sunday, September 8th, 2024 from 11am until 3pm.