Michael O'Leary

Madison - Michael J. O'Leary, age 78, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 23, 2017 of an apparent heart attack at his home. He was born on June 8, 1939 to Henry and Angeline (Valentine) O'Leary in Madison.

Mike graduated from Edgewood High School in 1957, and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with degrees in Economics and Mathematics. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve. On August 10, 1963, Mike was united in marriage to Martha Thomas at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Middleton. Mike worked for 30 years as an executive for WPS. He was a man of deep faith and a dedicated parishioner at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Parish, where he served in many capacities including Parish Council.

Mike was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends. He also found his most peace fly fishing in a stream with his brothers and nephews. A devoted Grandfather, he could be found at all of his grandson's sporting events or anything to do with his grandchildren. He was also famous for his homemade sausage and salami made with and for his family.

Mike loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marti; his children, Sean (Aimee) Michael O'Leary, Kathleen (Mark) Schauder, and Sarah (Kyle) Lynch; his grandchildren, Owen, Henry, Gavin, Wyatt, Tess, Nolan and Tucker; his brothers, Richard "Dick" (Barb) O'Leary and James "Jim" (Dawn) O'Leary; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alice McCabe.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2018 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with a Vigil Service concluding with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, with Rev. Msgr. Michael Burke and Fr. Tafadzwa Kushamba presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church on Tuesday. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at church following the burial.

Memorials in Michael's name may be made to St. Maria Goretti Parish, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, WI 53711; or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1120 James Drive, Suite A, Hartland, WI 53029.

He had a very blessed life filled with faith, family and love.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434