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John W. Leary

1930 - 2017

John W. Leary obituary, 1930-2017, Oak Lawn, IL

BORN

1930

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street

Oak Lawn, Illinois

John Leary Obituary

Leary, John W. Age 86. Retired teacher of 38 years at Oak Lawn Community High School. Beloved husband for 57 years this month to Phyllis Leary; devoted father of Steven, Kevin (Jennifer) and the late John, Jr.; adored grandpa of Keeley, Taylor and Aidan John; loving brother of the late Thomas (late Betty), late Robert (Joanne) and late Dorothy (late Jim) Potts; fond uncle to his nieces and nephews; inspiring teacher and coach of many. Funeral Wednesday, January 18, 2017 9:15 a.m. from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W 103rd St., Oak Lawn, IL to St. Gerald Church, 93rd and Central Ave., Oak Lawn. Mass 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice. Visitation Tuesday, January 17 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Info: 708-636-1193 or www.blakelamboaklawn.com.



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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Jason Denault

March 5, 2017

I was very saddened to hear the news today. John was such a great guy and I enjoyed talking with him and Phyllis at the sports card show. I vended there for a while a few years back, enjoyed each time I did.
Amy and I send our thoughts and prayers to Phyllis, family and friends
Rest in peace my friend, it was a pleasure each and every time we spoke. You will be very much missed.

Tom Mularz

February 13, 2017

John was always a kind and wonderful person to me. I especially recall discussing his love of theatre with me at the Orland Park show.

My best wishes to Phyllis and family.

Joe Fattore

January 29, 2017

Mr. Leary was my cross country coach (01-03) and was a great mentor and friend. I'm really sorry to hear of his passing. All the best to his family. Rest in Peace John.

Donnacha O'Sullivan

January 26, 2017

Mr. Leary was my tennis coach at Oak Lawn. I can still recall how fun Coach made practice. And although he was a great coach, he was an even better friend and mentor. My closest friends to this day are from that 2001 tennis team and I sense that is largely the result of the culture he instilled into the program. I speak for that group of friends in passing on our condolences to your family. "No pity in Spartan City". Donnacha O'Sullivan

Amy (Novak) Minniear

January 23, 2017

Remembering Mr. Leary, passionate Forensics Coach (OLCHS '84-88), patient teacher, and role model family man. I'm sending back that encouraging look - the half-smile and kind eyes. It's no surprise that his presence enhanced the lives of so many. Phyllis, Steve and Kevin, my prayers are with you.

Judy Shaffer (Brandenburg) Class of '83

January 23, 2017

Mr. Leary was my forensics coach and my American Lit teacher. He was kind and soft spoken. Heaven is a richer place. Thanks for everything.

Ken Baker

January 22, 2017

I met John in the early 1980's through the baseball card hobby and attended many of his shows as both a seller and a buyer over the years. John and Phyllis were always 1st class in every way. A true pleasure to know. Rest in peace John. Phyllis and family, sincere condolences on your loss.

January 21, 2017

Love you forever Mr. Leary. kp '72

Carolyn Schumal

January 18, 2017

Mrs. Leary and your sons Steven-Kevin and family. I was so sadden by your husband-father-passing.He is out of his pain and in a wonderful place with son John-I have some wonderful memories being in his English class . He always reminded me to think of him first as a neighbor that also was my teacher too- They don't have many teachers left that had his passion and commitment and I will treasure my memories . Carolyn Schumal

Mary B.

January 18, 2017

What a kind and influential man. May he rest in peace.

Curt O'Hara

January 18, 2017

Dear Leary Family,

I met John (he was always "Mr. Leary" to me) on my first day of freshman English class at Oak Lawn Community HS. He was a great teacher and mentor to me, and he recruited me to join the Forensics team on day one. He coached me in the Radio Speaking event, and he also recruited Barb Whiteaker to be my "silent" coach in this event. John, along with Barb W. and Tom Dzurison are by far the 3 greatest influences on me from my high school days. I was able to take what I had learned under John and apply that successfully in college radio (at NIU in DeKalb) and I also had a short "professional" career at at station in Elgin, Illinois. He also recruited me as a coach and judge at IHSA Forensics tournaments for OLCHS after high school.

I will remember Mr. Leary as a very gentle man who never failed to impart wisdom in his students and Forensics team members. I spoke with John via phone a few years ago, and he was still the same - a very wise, caring man who wanted the best for everyone that he touched. I will miss him.

Curt O'Hara
OLCHS Class of '78

helen librizzi

January 18, 2017

Sorry for your loss. If you need anything Phyllis, we are here for you!
Helen Librizzi and Family

Pamela Stoike

January 18, 2017

Heartfelt sympathies to the Leary Family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May you be comforted by fond memories in the coming days.

Irene Lynch

January 18, 2017

Dear Aunt Phyllis and family,
May the love of family and friends soften your sadness, may the cherished memories bring you moments of comfort, and may lasting peace surround your grieving heart....
Uncle John is now with my Mom (his sister) and brothers.. I can only imagine the celebration going on in Heaven right now!
Love,
Irene Lynch and family

The Leary clan!

Irene Lynch

January 18, 2017

Mom and her brother, John.

Irene Lynch

January 18, 2017

Dan Sackett

January 18, 2017

I knew John as the passionate and compassionate Speech Team Coach at Oak Lawn when I just started coaching for Carl Sandburg High School. John was a great mentor to me and to his Assistant Coach, Tom Dzurison. With his inspiration, Tom and I went on to be Head Coaches for Oak Lawn and Sandburg for over 25 years. He is missed. Much love to his family.

John Hunt

January 17, 2017

i have many fond memories of Mr. Leary. It is aPrivlage to have met him.
He lived in the village, he coached me 4yrs., he taught me, mentored me.
Mr. Leary certainly still inspires me.

I HAVE DECIDED - was a notion/question that turned into a sort of mantra for the 1994 Cross Country team. I perceived then that it was was to inspire us to reach down and be better. So elegant and simple it resonates for me still. For a boy that grew up with no discipline it is still a notion, lesson now that I harness frequently. Learning to treat small Victories as a total win for the day.
Yup, that was Coach Leary. Mr. Leary. More patient with me than most.
I was too young to call you John and would not still.
I'll always remember you. My Freind, as compassionate as they get.

Johnny Hunt

Lois Seropian

January 17, 2017

So sorry to hear about Uncle Johnny's passing. I always loved talking with him on the phone. Mom looked forward to her calls with him and his letters. We were so blessed when he and Phyllis visited us here in Florida. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, brother and uncle. We are truly sorry for your loss. I'm sure the angels are happy now that all the Leary's are together. Love to all of you.

January 17, 2017

I was fortunate to have had John as one of my high school English teachers at OLCHS in the mid sixties. He was an inspiring teacher and a fine role model. Sincere condolences to all his family.
Susan Darrah

Gregory and Gail Burks

January 17, 2017

Our sincere prayers and love to the Leary family. We met Mr. Leary over 17 years ago, when our son, Eric, began attending the Sports Card collectible shows at the Orland Park Civic Center with his dad. Mr. and Mrs. Leary were ALWAYS very kind, gracious, steadfast and professional. To this day, our son continues to trade and do business at the shows, even while living 2-1/2 hours away. We will truly miss Mr. Leary; he has left a great legacy. God Bless.

Dan Niemiec

January 17, 2017

I knew John as both a speech coach (I was at Sandburg) and from the baseball card shows in Orland park. He was a good man. He will be sorely missed.

January 17, 2017

Mr Leary was a great man, wonderful educator and coach. When I was goofing off in one of his classes he recruited me on the spot to join the Forensic team. I enjoyed his guidance and friendship like many others who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace Coach! Bill Hogate. Class of 73

Ruth Mollo

January 17, 2017

They say to teach is to touch a life. Mr.Leary touched many lives. He was one of the rare teachers who genuinely cared about his students. I remember his gentle spirit and bright smile. RIP Mr. Leary.

Paul Lundquist

January 17, 2017

Mr. Leary is the reason I went into the ministry. In 1980 he asked me to join the speech team because he was desperate for someone to fill a slot in Extemporaneous Speaking. I told him I couldn't because I was terrified of speaking in front of people. But he kept after me, and I finally relented to his gracious but determined pressure. Though I did a horrible job on the team, Mr. Leary's encouragement made me think that maybe someday I might be able to deliver a sermon without collapsing into a nervous mess. God bless you Mr. Leary. You changed my life for the better.

Rita Saunders

January 16, 2017

I was blessed to have John Leary as my English teacher at Oak Lawn High School and honored to have him and Phyllis as friends of my husband and I for more than 30 years. Both John and Phyllis are wonderful people who have enriched my life just by knowing them. I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man and teacher. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

Ryan Brandes

January 16, 2017

I am sorry to hear of Johns passing. Our once a month shows together will not be the same.

Bruce Funk

January 16, 2017

My sincerest condolences. I have many fond memories both as a coach and a teacher. He will be missed by many. olchs 84-88

Laura Simonson

January 16, 2017

John was my coach in High School, as he was fo hundreds of others. He changed my life, and me more than he ever knew.

David Moonier

January 16, 2017

Phyllis and Kevin your husband and dad was such a wonderful caring father and man. Sorry for your loss.

January 16, 2017

I was privileged to work with John Leary at OLCHS. Both students and staff admired and befriended him.
My condolences to his family.
Sharon (Drake) Passarelli

Dawn Corriero

January 16, 2017

Mr. Leary was a wonderful teacher and a good person. He actually cared about his students. He will be missed. You will be in my prayers.

Sandy Weygandt Kaczmarski

January 16, 2017

So sorry to hear of his passing. As my forensics coach for three years until graduation in 1970, "Mr. Leary" was a good friend and supportive coach. Spent many hours after school and on Saturdays on the bus going to tournaments with him. I remember his mischievous smile that conveyed his gentle spirit. Rest in peace.

Carol Larson

January 16, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Leary Family. Mr. Leary was a wonderful teacher and a very kind man. Rest in peace Mr. Leary.

Ellen Yukel-Kollmon

January 16, 2017

So very sorry to hear about the passing of this wonderfully, kind man. It was a pleasure to have been one of his students, and I will always remember him!

Darin Collings

January 16, 2017

Dear Phillis, Steven and Kevin my deepest condolences to your family.

Sincerely,
Darin Collings Class of 84

Karen Majewski

January 16, 2017

Mr. Leary was an enormous influence on me and my friends as our English teacher and forensics team coach at OLCHS in the early 1970s. I'm sure we gave him some headaches. He probably never realized how he helped change the direction of my life, but his loved ones may want what good he did in the world. My sincere condolences.

David R

January 16, 2017

Dear Phyllis we are so sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Psalms 83:18

Michele Gaspar

January 16, 2017

Dear Phyllis, Steve and Kevin,

My heart is heavy to learn this sad news. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss of one so dear.

Barbra DeLisle (Gardner)

January 15, 2017

My sincerest condolences to the Leary Family,
Mr. Leary was one of my favorite teachers while I attended Oak Lawn Community High School in the 80s. He was also a wonderful friend to my father who passed away many years ago. I will always remember his baseball card shows at the Orland pavilion. Rest in Peace Mr. Leary

K Fox

January 15, 2017

Dear Mrs. Leary, Steve, Kevin and family,

I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!!

January 15, 2017

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

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Memorial Events
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Jan

17

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Jan

18

Funeral

9:15 a.m.

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Jan

18

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Gerald Church

93rd and Central Ave., Oak Lawn, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn

4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453

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