John T. “Jack” O’Leary

John Thomas O’Leary (known by all as Jack), 72, of Wheeling, W.Va. died Monday (Easter Monday), April 2, 2018, with his loving wife by his side.
Jack was born October 24, 1945, and was the son of John Paul and Rita Andrews O’Leary.
He was the beloved husband of Nancy Ellen Rice O’Leary for 46 years, 8 months and 9 days.
Jack was a graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Wheeling Jesuit University and his MBA from West Virginia University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves.
Jack was retired from a position as a systems analyst for the informational services of the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. Following retirement he spent time as a starter for the Speidel Golf course at Oglebay Park.
An avid golfer, Jack and his father-in-law, Frank L. Rice, most enjoyed playing many rounds of golf at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV while vacationing there with his wife and mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Voellinger Rice.
Jack was a past president of the Serra Club of Wheeling, and a highlight of his tenure was the special Mass and tribute he held for the Bishop Emeritus Bernard Schmitt.
Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus Carroll Council 504 – where he served as chairman of the Knights’ Golf Club. He was also a member of the Oglebay Park Golf Club and was a past president and treasurer of the Georgetown Condominium Association.
He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, where he served as a Minister of the Holy Eucharist, an usher, and a member of the Pro-Life committee.
Unknown to many was Jack’s outstanding talent as an artist. Close friends and family were always amazed at the creativity and artistic talent shown in his numerous paintings.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Nancy Ellen; a sister, Dr. Patricia O’Leary of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and a cousin-in-law, Ann Weir Coleman of Wheeling.
Fifty-three years ago, on April 7, 1965, Jack first asked Nancy Ellen Rice for a date – and true love and many wonderful years of happy memories followed. He was a devoted and caring husband who was deeply loved in life by his wife, and that love will continue forever.
Many who knew Jack appreciated his kindness, warmth and spirit of fun. They too will remember him fondly with the many memories of good times shared.
Friends will be received on Friday, April 6, 2018, from 2 pm until 5 pm and from 6 pm until 9 pm, at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street, Wheeling. The vigil service will be held at 7:30 pm at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Saturday, April 7, 2018, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Woodsdale, with the Rev. Msgr. Kevin M. Quirk and Rev. William K. Matheny, Jr. as con-celebrants. Interment in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, with full military honors provided by the Moundsville Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wheeling Jesuit University or St. Michael’s Development Fund. Contributions may be made online at www.TMCfunding.com.
Jack died on the 13th anniversary date (April 2) of Saint John Paul II. Both the Holy Father and Jack had a special love for Mary, the blessed Mother of Our Lord. It is now the hope of Jack’s wife that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, watch over and be with Jack for all of eternity.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com