Lifelong Chelmsford Resident, CHS Class of 1984, Loses Battle With Cancer

The following is an obituary courtesy of Dolan Funeral Home.

Brian J. O’Leary, 47, a life-long resident of Chelmsford, MA died Thursday, June 19, 2014, surrounded by his loving family and friends at Lowell General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was married to Karen L. (Powers) O’Leary with whom he celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary on May 22, 2014. Brian was the father of four loving daughters.

He graduated from Chelmsford High School with the class of 1984. He worked as a carpenter for local construction firms and later became an independent contractor.

He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church of Chelmsford.

Brian loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling and all outdoor activities, especially spending time at Rye Beach and Newfound Lake. He was also an avid Boston sports fan.

Besides his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Caitlin O’Leary, and Shea O’Leary who attend the Parker Middle School, Reagan O’Leary and Shannon O’Leary who attend the Byam Elementary School; his mother, Barbara O’Leary of Chelmsford; a sister, Caren O’Brien and her husband, Michael of Mason, NH; a brother, David “Butch” L. O’Leary Jr. and his wife, Suzanne of Kingston, MA; his mother-in-law, A. Shirley Powers of Chelmsford; and his sister-in-law, Brenda Lowney and her husband, William of Chelmsford. Brian is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins as well as life-long friends.

He was the son of the late David L. O’Leary Sr. and the son-in-law of the late William R. Powers both of Chelmsford.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Lowell General Hospital Intensive Care Unit and the Cancer Center at the Lowell General Hospital for their dedication, commitment, and the excellent care they provided to Brian.