Teddy was a New Year’s Eve baby, born December 31, 1960, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at the young age of 57. Teddy was the 4th O’Leary son born to Tim and Darlene O’Leary.
Teddy loved life. He was “King of the Hill,” as our Dad would say. He was great at everything – top in his class and top in all sports. He was an Eagle Scout as well! Teddy attended Border Star Elementary School, Bingham Junior High, and Rockhurst High School. During his sophomore year in high school, Ted came down with a severe illness. After a considerable amount of time, Doctors determined it was OCD, an anxiety disorder.
Ted struggled all these years with this overwhelming disease but continually tried to beat it. He managed to graduate from college and hold many different jobs through the years. Ted persevered and did the best he could under the circumstances.
We often call Teddy our “Hero.” He was so courageous and brave, facing each day the best he could, despite his struggles. He loved his family, loved his cats and dogs, and worked hard at the various jobs he held. His all time favorite pastime was MIZZOU sports. Watching the Tigers play football and basketball were a highlight of his life. Our parents met at Mizzou, and all 6 kids attended college there. Ted was a big Royals and Chiefs fan as well. He loved all things sports!
Teddy was a dear, sweet soul. He had great compassion for people who struggled, for he knew firsthand how that felt. Teddy was preceded in death by his Mom, Darlene McBride O’Leary. Teddy leaves his family of fans, including his Dad, Timothy Dean O’Leary, brothers Timothy D. O’Leary (Kathleen), Terence P. O’Leary (Lynn) and Thomas K. O’Leary (Jennifer), and sisters Lorrie O’Leary Ritchie (Jon) and Megan O’Leary, along with 12 wonderful nieces and nephews: Timmy O’Leary, Maddy O’Leary, Ryan O’Leary (Madeline), Brendon O’Leary (Jackie), Thomas O’Leary, Mary O’Leary, Amy O’Leary, Lindsey O’Leary, Tommy O’Leary, Addie O’Leary, John Michael Ritchie and Megan Ritchie.
The O’Leary Family is honored to have Ted as our son and brother. We stand proud in the shadow of his courage.
Teddy would want you to know he is more alive today than ever before, in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, and with his beloved Mom. He would tell us, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 on Monday, July 9th at 9 a.m. A reception will be held after the service at Tighe Hall below the Church. There will be a private family burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Theodore Michael O’Leary Memorial Fund to support those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. By mail: CrossFirst Bank, Theodore Michael O’Leary Memorial Fund, 4707 West 135th Street, Leawood, KS 66224.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the O'Leary family.
