Bishop Emeritus Dominic Marconi, Archdiocese of Newark, was principal celebrant at a Mass of Christian Burial held Jan. 23 for Father Robert A. O’Leary, a retired priest of the Archdiocese who served as weekend assistant in St. Luke Parish, Toms River.  He died Jan. 18 in Community Medical Center, Toms River at the age of 87.

Father O’Leary was born in Elizabeth to the late Col. John A. and Alma J. O’Leary. He received a bachelor’s degree in theology from Seton Hall University, South Orange, and attended Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Newark May 30, 1953, in St. Patrick’s Pro Cathedral, Newark.

Following his ordination, Father O’Leary served in parishes of the Newark Archdiocese including St. Rose of Lima, Newark; St. Peter, Belleville, St. Matthew, Ridgefield, and St. Philomena, Livingston. Father O’Leary also served as chaplain in a number of hospitals in Newark and Jersey City.

After his retirement in 1997, Father O’Leary served as a weekend assistant in St. Luke Parish and St. Justin Parish, both in Toms River.

Besides his parents, Father O’Leary was predeceased by his brother, Dr. John J. O’Leary. His survivors include his brother, Edward O’Leary, and nieces and nephews Mary Jo McFadden, Ann Marie Lingle, Dr. Kathleen O’Leary, Dr. John A. O’Leary, Maureen DeMartino, Megan Davila, Kate Anne O’Leary, Bryna O’Leary, Daniel R. O’Leary and James M. O’Leary and their families.

Father Robert Grodnicki, pastor of St. Luke Parish, presided over the reception of the body, while Father Mark Kreder, pastor of St. Justin Parish, served as homilist at the funeral liturgy. Father O’Leary was buried in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Newark, 590 N. 7th Street, Newark, N.J. 07107; or Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, 383 W. State St., P.O. Box 1423, Trenton, N.J. 08607