James D. O’Leary, 86

James D. O’Leary, 86, of Franklin, died peacefully on Friday, July 26, 2024 at The Enclave of Franklin surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Martha P. (Cosgrave) O’Leary since 1966.

Born in Buffalo, New York on January 1, 1938, he was the son of the late James J. and Beatrice L. (Gentner) O’Leary.

Jim was a resident of Franklin for the past seven years and formerly resided in Medway and Bellingham. He grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and Buffalo, New York and graduated from Cleveland Hills High School in Buffalo. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo in 1959.

Jim proudly served in the US Army for over 5 years and attained the rank of sergeant.

Before his retirement, he worked as a sales manager at Bosch Corporation for many years.

Jim was a member of the Franklin Elks Club and a founding member of the men’s group at the Bellingham Senior Center. He enjoyed barbequing and photography, and was an avid gardener.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Tara Cederholm and her husband Matthew of Franklin, Moira Duncan and her husband Steven of Franklin, and Amy Hart and her husband Tim of Wellsville, New York.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Noah, Molly, Shane, Lauren and Liam.

As we all know Jim was not one to stand for ceremony. That being the case, the family is hosting a Celebration of Life (Irish wake style) on Sunday, August 4th from 12-3:30PM at GlenPharma Distillery, 860 West Central Street in Franklin. In a nod to Jim's proud Irish roots, friends and family are invited to stop in to share a story or raise a glass in Jim's memory.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Jim's’ memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 parkison.org

Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street in Franklin ginleyfuneralhomes.com