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The family of James J. O'Leary, Jr. uploaded a photo
Thursday, June 29, 2017
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Steve Marinaccio posted a condolence
Monday, August 18, 2008
As you all know Big Jim was always like a second father to me as I basically lived in the house throughout my childhood.
Just like my dad we had our times that were up and down. I had many talks with him on the front porch (atop all of the hidden cases of empty beer bottles) and in the living room over a period of 40 years. Ironically enough Jim & my dad as different as they were they both told me the same things ( I guess I was always hoping for a different slant from one of them) . Jim always made me realize what was important as well as what was insignificant. He gave me the guidance that I needed during my parents divorce and never turned away when I needed to talk to him during that time.
When I was on the track team at St. Joe's and throwing discus under coach Al Ernst, Big Jim taught me the bucket drill
which Al told me was not going to help until it added 15 ft to my throws. Then I told him that I was taught it by Big Jim to which Al replied well I guess there is something to it after all (big Jim was Al's HS track coach).
I owe a lot of my integrity and perseverance to this man who will forever be my other dad. I will never forget the last words that Jim said to me which was no matter much I forget I could never forget you.
I will surely never forget him.
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William Thornton posted a condolence
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Mr. O'Leary was my History teacher and I knew him in his role as coach when I attended the games and did the half time announcements from the press booth. He always impressed me as a real professional. Formal at times but with a sense of humor.
It's been more than 40 years since I graduated EHS (65) but Mr. O'Leary is one of the faculty I remember very clearly and fondly.
God's speed, Coach.
Bill Thornton
Santa Monica, CA
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Ellen Page Prasse posted a condolence
Friday, August 15, 2008
Dear MaryAnn and Children,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Big Jim, I always thought of him as a gentle giant. He was a wonderful teacher and a nice neighbor, and a great father. He will fondly remembered.
Ellen Page Prasse
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Kendall Phells posted a condolence
Friday, August 15, 2008
I had the honor and pleasure of being one of Coach O'Leary's track team captains during my years at Edison High.His insightful counsel, on and off of the athletic field,was always on the mark. Coach's leadership style is one I emulate to this day.He will be missed.
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KEN FRIEDLANDER posted a condolence
Friday, August 15, 2008
Mary Anne,
I will always think fondly of Jim, singing in The Happy Medium, & rehearsing at your house, especially the last time I sang with him, & Charlie Deagazio,when he got up to join us in a couple of songs, singing them both perfectly! I know he is up in heaven, singing with God, in the heavenly choir. I will be making a contribution to the St Mary's Soup Kitchen, as requested. Unfortunately, I cannot attend the mass. But my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Love,
Ken
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Jack & Sheila O'Malley posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Maryann and family,
Our hearts go out to you at this time. We will always remember Jim as a good friend, a true 'gentle giant' in our eyes. How can we ever forget his wonderful smile and his hearty laugh. He had a great career of molding young people into positive forces in society and then devoted time bringing joy to others through his love of music. We thank God for the gift of Jim!
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Peter Havrilla (BRAZIL) posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Mr. O'Leary was a posotive inspiration to all of us who knew him at Edison Twp. High School! We all miss him...
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Tom O'Leary, LCADC, CCJS posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Dear Mrs. O'Leary & Family, I remember him well. He made me laugh when my life was full of pain. We would pass each other in the halls at EHS 1963 and he would say "Good morning Mr. O'Leary and I would respond good morning to you Mr. O'Leary" and we would both smile and be on our way. That little comment gave me a sense of dignity I needed to go on. In 2001 he supported our work at the Word Trade Center attack site. He was loved and will be missed. May his soul pass over Ireland as he goes to be with his Father in heaven. Peace & Love. Tom O'Leary, LCADC, CCJS - Executive Director of the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program, 87 East High Street Somerville, NJ 08876 and EHS Class of 1963
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Tom O'Leary, LCADC, CCJS posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Dear Mrs. O'Leary & Family, I remember him well. He made me laugh whwn my life was full of pain. We woul pass each other in the halls at EHS 1963 and he woul say "Good morning Mr. O'Leary and I woul respond good mornibg to you Mr O'Leary" and we would both smile and be on our way. That little comment gaye me a sense of dignity I needed to go on. In 2001 he supported our work at the Worl Trade Center attack site. He was loved and will be missed. May his soul pass over Ireland as he goes to be with his Father in heaven. Peace & Love. Tom O'Leary, LCADC, CCJS - Executive Director of the Samaritan Homeless Interim Program, 87 East High Street Somerville, NJ 08876 and EHSClass of 1963
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William Joseph posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Mr. O'leary was my football coach. I was his equipment manager in 1962. He taught me a lot about football, being a man and being a friend. He pushed me when I needed it and even when I didn't! He helped make me what I am today. Often I think back to my days in Edison High and think of him. Many stories and loads of fun and work. I never forgot him!
God has another good man to be his football coach.
God Speed "Big Jim"
William Joseph
Lnading, NJ class of 1962
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art rostel posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
I will always remember Jim as a great man. I learned a lot from him as a coach and as a Social Studies teacher. I observed him several times in March-April of 1967 when I student taught with Mr. Kuzma at EHS. I began teaching & coaching in Edison in Sept 67 and Jim had a big affect on me. He always encouraged his athletes and was always pleasant with a big smile. I will never forget Jim. I considered him a great friend. He will be missed by me and by countless others.
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Bill Polisson posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Nobody we knew lives in Plainfield anymore.
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