HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – Clarence G. O’Leary, 89, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 29, 1922, in St. John, to Joseph and Gladys Kelly O’Leary.
Clarence served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and several campaign medals. After his military service, Clarence married Rolande “Rhonnie” Gagne, Aug. 20, 1946. He was employed by the Civil Service Administration at Loring Air Force Base, Limestone, retiring in 1977. Clarence was a registered Maine guide, trapper, hunter, fisherman and extraordinary canoeist. He was also an amateur boxer and was considered by all that knew him as a man amongst men. Clarence and Rhonnie resided in Hendersonville, N.C., since 2003.
In addition to his wife, Rhonnie, Clarence is survived by a sister, Ann O’Leary Kelly of Inverness, Fla.; children, Gordon O’Leary and wife, Joan, of Phillipsburg, N.J., Michael O’Leary and wife, Judy Noel, of Flat Rock, N.C., Marlene O’Leary and husband, John Cook, of Atlanta, and Vicki O’Leary of Asheville, N.C.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three children, Patrick O’Leary, Joy O’Leary Mills and Paul O’Leary; sister, Geraldine O’Leary McBriarty; and beloved grandson, Lee Cox. The family expresses their sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Randy Tryon and the staff of Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation for their outstanding support and caring attitudes.
A private service will be held at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Black Mountain, N.C. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To sign the online register book, please visit
www.shulerfuneralhome.com.