Visiting hours: 4 to 8 pm Sunday April 14, 2024

Service: Saint John the Baptist Church
Directions

Service Time: 10:30 am Monday April 15, 2024

Interment: Ferncliff Mausoleum

Biography:
A proud New York City Police Officer for 38 years. He also prided himself of his military service for the country he loved. Born October 16, 1932 and died April 12, 2024 Joseph Patrick O’Leary was born to May O’Leary (Nee Gaynor) and Joseph Walter O’Leary. He was the youngest of five children, William, Florence DeGregorio, Patricia Lepore and his twin Sister Margaret Gnam all of whom pre deceased him. Joseph was married to Cynthia O’Leary (Nee Vaccaro) on October 9th 1954 in New York City. Together they had three children Maureen, Joseph and Michael. After the death of Cynthia O’Leary on March 3rd, 1982, Joseph married Concetta Prozzo (Nee Avicolli) in 1992. Concetta has two children Lisa Cona and Michael Elias from a previous marriage. Together, Joseph and Concetta have 11 Grand Children and three Great Grand Children. In 1951 to 1957, Joseph was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corp in the Korean conflict. He continued his military service by joining the Air Force Reserves from 1965 to 1990 and was assigned to the Office of Special Investigation (OSI). He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lt. Colonel. In February 1956, Joseph became a New York City Police Officer and served in the 17th Police Precinct in the fingerprint division and the 45th Police Precinct just to name a few.While raising a family and attending night school at John Jay School of Criminal Justice, Joseph attained his undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Being raised by his Mother and not knowing his Father, he had a desire for learning that never ended. He knew that education was the way out of poverty and instilled a strong work ethic and a continuance to learn. Learning to speak fluent German he won second place in a German contest against a native German. Because he never really knew his Father he often spoke about playing stick ball inthe street with Father George Kelly of St. Monica’s Parish. Other sports that he enjoyed, was playing Soccer for Sokol Hall’s Soccer team on 71st street on the east side of Manhattan. Joseph reminisced many times about waking up in the morning to find cookies and other goodies that his Mother would bring home from her night job at the National Biscuit Company. Joseph was an avid reader, he enjoyed telling stories of his life’s escapades but most of all he enjoyed helping others along life’s way. Everyone who knew Joesph was touched by his kindness. Joseph will be extremely missed by his family and all who knew him Arrangements entrusted to FLOWER FUNERAL HOME INC., 714 Yonkers Ave.,Yonkers, NY with visitation Sunday 4 to 8 pm. Funeral mass Monday 10:30 am at St. John the Baptist Church with an entombment to follow at Ferncliff Mausoleum. Donations preferred to St. Jude Children`s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.