Dr Robert J O'Leary

Dr. Robert J. O’Leary, 88, of North East, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Brevillier. He was born on November 15, 1937, in North East, Pennsylvania, to the late Dr. Marcellus Raymond and Irene Miriam (Willson) O’Leary.

Bob graduated from St. Gregory High School in 1955, where he was an avid athlete. He attended the University of Notre Dame before completing dental school and graduate medical studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to complete his oral surgery internship at West Virginia University. He valued his education and was always encouraging others to invest in theirs.

While living in Philadelphia, Bob met Barbara Wilson, whom he married on August 29, 1964, at Our Lady of the Snows in Vermont. They shared 49 years of marriage until Barbara’s passing.

Dr. O’Leary proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Proteus, stationed in Holy Loch, Scotland, out of Charleston, South Carolina.

He practiced oral surgery in North East for more than 40 years at the O’Leary Dental Office alongside his brother Joe and sister-in-law Judy, continuing a family practice founded by his father in 1932. He also served on staff at Hamot Medical Center and Corry Memorial Hospital with Dr. Dennis Doughty. Bob was known for his compassionate care—and for sometimes accepting homemade baked goods in place of payment. “Doc” loved his staff and patients.

Bob was deeply involved in St. Gregory Catholic Church and School, where he attended daily mass, coached basketball and soccer over the years. He was a long-distance runner who completed the Marine Corps Marathon, a cross-country skier, and a devoted sports fan who loved giving advice to the referees with his friends. At cross-country meets he always knew just where to be when a runner needed encouragement. He especially enjoyed playing cards—most notably Wizard—with dear friends, spending countless evenings around the kitchen table laughing, telling stories, and pausing for pie. He never spent any money on himself, but he was extremely generous with his family and friends. He loved a bucket hat and an Irish Goodbye.

Bob was always on the move, rarely sitting still for long. He instilled a love of the outdoors in his children and grandchildren, leading countless hikes along the way. He loved a good joke but hated smiling for pictures although it was hard for him to hide the twinkle in his eye. He was charismatic, quick-witted and strong-willed. If you stopped by the house for a visit, he would insist on feeding you—and you might as well say yes, the first time, because he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Later in life, Bob was blessed with the companionship of Terry Erwin of Silver Creek, NY. Together, they shared a love for family and the Buffalo Bills. He also cherished trips to South Carolina to run the Cooper River Bridge Run and treasured beach vacations with his children and grandchildren.

Bob was welcomed into heaven by his beloved wife Barbara and their first born baby; his parents; sisters Irene O’Leary, Marcia O’Leary, Louise Wilson, and Anne O’Leary; brothers-in-law William Ring and Bob Wilson; sisters-in-law Carol Jacobsen, Connie Kenney, and Nancy Herzog; and nephews Michael Ring and Matthew O’Leary.

He is survived by his brothers James O’Leary (Marilyn), George O’Leary (Sandy), and Dr. Joseph M. O’Leary (Kim); sisters Patricia Ring and Rebecca Devine (David); and sisters-in -law Mary Chaves and Judy Wilson.

His constant love will be deeply missed by his children: Maureen Ripple, PhD, of Hanover, NH; Gregory O’Leary, MD of Charlotte, NC; Carolyn Mosier, APRN (Russell) of Falls Church, VA; Dr. Thomas O’Leary, DDS (Dr. Ryan O’Leary) of Huntersville, NC; and Kathy Zolman, MBA (Eric) of Charleston, SC; sisters-in-law Judy Wilson of North East; Leif Jacobsen of Walpole, MA; and Mary Chaves of Falls Church, VA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kaitlynn (David), Ben, Josh, Rebecca (JiWon), Adora (Anya), Finnegan, Brecken, Sam, Max, and Cavanaugh; great-granddaughter Sloane; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank Brevillier staff for their loving care and also recognize his daughter Maureen for her sacrificing love and care during these last years of his life.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East, PA 16428. Visitation Sunday February 15, from 3pm-7pm. Prayer Service at 10am Monday February 16, followed by mass at St. Gregory’s at 10:30am. Interment will be held at St. Gregory Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Mass requests or donations in Bob’s memory may be made to St. Gregory Church or School, 136 West Main Street, North East, PA 16428.  Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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