Daniel E. O’Leary
May 27, 1951 – April 2, 2025

On a gentle spring morning Dan O’Leary peacefully left the planet, evolving into his spirit being.

After several years’ struggle with dementia he was ready to explore new frontiers.

Born on May 27, 1951, number 5 of 11 children born to Mary Ellen Callahan O’Leary and Robert Benjamin O’Leary. He was raised in an Irish Catholic family on the Lazy O farm outside of Albert Lea, Minnesota with 5 brothers and 5 sisters: Patrick, Geraldine, Joann, John, Kathleen, Steve, Sheila, Mary, Tim and Kevin.

Always proud of being a non-conformist he set out after graduating in 1969 on hitchhiking adventures to Boston, Mexico and Central America. He traveled to visit his sister in Nicaragua and returned to live an alternative life-style in California. From 1973-1977 he served as a sonar technician in the Submarine Service. He loved telling tales of his time “In the water.” He earned certification as a hard-hat deep sea diver and served in both the Navy and Coast Guard reserves.

Returning home to Minnesota in 1978 he found employment managing Edgewater Park in Albert Lea where under the oak trees he met and fell in love with his future wife, Peggy. In November, 1978 Dan and Peg set out in a Buick station wagon bound for California just ahead of the winter blizzards. The destination was Humboldt County where Dan used his G.I. bill to attend HSU and College of the Redwoods where he made life-long friends. They returned to Minnesota to marry in August, 1979. This epic celebration was also an O’Leary family re-union with siblings attending from all over the world. Over the years the Lazy O West clan grew to include Tim, Mary, Genevieve, Sheila and Kevin. This tie-dyed Grateful Dead family now includes second and third generations.

Dan and Peg settled in Manila on spit of land bordered by bay and ocean and welcomed two sons, Devon in 1983 and Brady in 1986. Dan loved being a dad, volunteering at their pre-school, taking wheel-barrow loads of kids to the beach, playing board games and acting as assistant Scout leader during the boys’ cub and boy scout years. He also served on the Manila Community Service District board for many years. Dan was a prolific reader, everything from Sci-Fi, military history to comics. He enjoyed making and sharing his home-made crackers which were a staple at many potlucks. He loved spending time every weekend with fellow Ribiero Roosters, throwing horseshoes, playing scrabble and hanging out with the guys.

As Dan’s illness progressed Dan could be found walking miles around Manila. He was always happy to wave to neighbors and loved his community.

He is survived by his loving wife; Peggy, sons; Devon and Brady, brothers; Patrick and Tim, sisters; Joann, Sheila and Mary and many nephews and nieces and their families.

A memorial is planned on May 31, 2025 in the barn at 3446 Ribiero Ln., Arcata, from 4 p.m on. Bring a dish, a memory, story or song. All are welcome.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dan O’Leary’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.