Gregory O'Leary

Gregory O’Leary, 64, entered into eternal rest surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on April 29, 1962, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Greg spent much of his childhood growing up in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Those who knew him in his younger years remember his love of the ocean and the countless hours he spent surfing the Jersey shore. In the 1980s, he moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he built a career in the hospitality industry and made the Lowcountry his home.

Greg was one of eleven children and shared a special bond with his twin brother, Thomas O’Leary, whose memory remained close to his heart throughout his life. Quiet by nature, Greg never sought the spotlight and found contentment in life’s simple things. Those who knew him best knew him to be stubborn at times, but beneath that determination was a caring, gentle, and deeply loving heart.

In the last decade of his life, Greg courageously faced the challenges of an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. Though his illness gradually limited his mobility and ability to leave home, it never diminished the faith that had long been the foundation of his life. A devoted member of Saint Francis by the Sea Catholic Church on Hilton Head Island, Greg faithfully served his parish and sought to honor Jesus Christ in the way he lived each day. Through every season of life, he found strength, hope, and peace in his relationship with God.

Greg was the proud father of his only son, Jonathan O’Leary, and nothing brought him greater joy than becoming “Granddad” to his grandsons, Harrison and Henry. They were a constant source of happiness, and he treasured every moment he was blessed to spend with them.

He is survived by his beloved son, Jonathan O’Leary; his daughter-in-law, Melanie O’Leary; his cherished grandsons, Harrison and Henry; his siblings Michael (Connie) O’Leary, Sarah (John, deceased) O’Leary Takacs, Patrick (Kathy) O’Leary, Francis (Melisa) O’Leary, Christopher O’Leary, and Megan O’Leary Payne; along with dozens of nieces and nephews who will forever remember and love him.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Chris O’Leary, who lovingly cared for Greg for many years. Chris’s unwavering devotion, patience, and compassion allowed Greg to remain surrounded by family throughout the most difficult years of his illness. His selfless care was an extraordinary act of love that can never be fully repaid.

Above all else, Greg desired to know and serve Jesus Christ. His Catholic faith became the foundation upon which he built his life, and he found great peace in the hope of Christ’s promises. His family takes comfort in believing he has now heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

Greg will be remembered not for the disease he battled, but for his quiet strength, his steadfast faith, his love for his family, and the kindness he showed to those around him. Though he is no longer with us, the love he gave and the example of faith he lived will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Greg’s life will be announced by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Greg’s memory.