Robert Thomas O'Leary

Robert Thomas O’Leary, age 84, of Fountain Valley, California, formerly of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 11th at St. Columba Church in Ottawa, with Reverend David Kipfer celebrating.  Pallbearers will be Chris Schwemlein, David and Douglas Dodson, Sanchez, P.J. and Jasmine O’Leary.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Liam O’Leary.  Entombment with Military Honors by the Ottawa Veterans Organization will follow in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m. Friday March 10th at Gladfelter Funeral Home.

Robert was born February 1, 1933 in Ottawa, Illinois, the son of Clarence Jerome and Mary Elizabeth (Tabor) O’Leary.  He married Lupe Suniga January 3, 1955 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa.  Robert is survived by Lupe, his wife of sixty-two years; three sons, Robert Thomas O’Leary, Jr. of Fountain Valley, CA, Peter (Michele) O’Leary and their son Liam O’Leary of San Francisco, CA, and Paul (Beth) O’Leary and their children Sanchez, P.J. and Jasmine O’Leary of San Francisco, CA.  He also leaves a sister, Doris (John) Corrigan of Schaumburg, IL; a sister-in-law, Victoria (Manuel) Mata of Ottawa, IL; nephews, Douglas (June) Dodson of Belvidere, IL, David (Emily) Dodson of Fox River Grove, IL; nieces, Leigh Ann Dodson (Jeff) Phillips of Arlington, TX, Kathleen Dodson (James) Walker of Schaumburg, IL, Carol Ann Mata and Teresa Barron of Ottawa, IL; a great-nephew, Zachary Barron of Ottawa, IL; and a cousin, Ronald (Cathy) Williams of Huntley, IL.

Robert attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fountain Valley.  He retired as senior project manager from the Fluor Daniel Corporation in Irvine California.  His work involved several international refinery projects, and as such, Bob and Lupe lived in Taiwan, China, Holland, Europe and Canada.  They greatly enjoyed their lives and the ability to travel to and live in various places overseas.  In later years, Bob enjoyed playing Bridge and Tennis and Golf.  A devoted family man, Bob was always involved in each of his son’s various athletic activities and was extremely proud of his grandchildren.