Michael J. O’Leary, 86, passed away on November 1, 2025 at home with family. Mike was born on August 9, 1939 in Shamokin, Pennsylvania to the late James and Anna O’Leary.

He played right tackle for Shamokin High School in the 1950’s on its formidable varsity football team. One of his proudest memories was beating the local powerhouse, Mount Carmel, in his senior year on Thanksgiving Day in the Coal Bucket Classic, 27-6.

Mike graduated from Bloomsburg University majoring in education and later earned a master’s degree in secondary education from SUNY College at Cortland.

Mike and his wife, Carol, moved to the Auburn area in 1962 from the Pennsylvania Coal Region and made Owasco their home. His first and only teaching role was as a math teacher at Union Springs High School, retiring after 40 years in 2000.

After being strongly encouraged by a friend and neighbor, Mike decided to run for Owasco Town Supervisor in the 1970’s. He won. He then won again thirteen more times, serving as supervisor for 28 years.

Mike was a dedicated runner and a very familiar site on Owasco Road. He was active in the Sacred Heart Men’s Club for many years, working bingo nights and cooking for community events and banquets.

Almost one year after retiring from teaching, Mike suffered a major stroke. While this changed his life in substantial ways, it did not in any way diminish his spirit and perseverance.

Mike is survived by his three children, Michael of Syracuse, Kimberly (Mike Dalton) of Camillus and Bridget (Mark Connor) of Brooklyn, as well as two grandchildren, Mike of Syracuse and Alison (Keenan Dennis) of Charlotte, NC.

In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by Carol, his wife of 60 years, as well as his brother Tim and sister Roxanne.

His family is very grateful for the support of friends and especially his long-time caregivers Vicky, Lucy, Gerri, and Adam. Calling hours will be at Farrell’S Funeral Service, Inc located at 84 South Street, Auburn, NY on Friday, 7 November from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held to celebrate Mike’s life on Saturday, 8 November at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider supporting Mike’s commitment to community by contributing to the Owasco Fire Department (owascofire.gov) or to the American Heart Association