John H. O'Leary

John Harold O’Leary was born on July 10, 1954, in Port Washington, New York, to Alice and John O’Leary. He grew up alongside his siblings, Timmy, Lisa, and Dennis, and his family was an important part of his early life.

John attended Holy Cross High School in Queens, New York, where his athletic abilities quickly began to stand out. His talent, determination, and love of football would eventually take him far from his New York roots and onto some of the biggest football stages.

John’s athletic talents eventually brought him to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was recruited to play running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His love of football and determination carried him into a professional career. John was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 12th round of the NFL Draft and later played three seasons for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. In 1977, he helped the Alouettes capture the Grey Cup, an accomplishment he was always proud to share through the stories and memories of his playing days.

But as much as John loved football, his greatest accomplishment was the life he built with his family. On April 11, 1980, he married Peggy Reid, the love of his life. John often made it clear that Peggy was his proudest accomplishment, and their marriage was at the heart of the life they shared together.

Together, John and Peggy raised three children, Shannon, Tara, and TJ. John was a devoted father who loved being involved in his children's lives. One of his greatest joys was coaching his children and sharing with them the game he had loved for so much of his own life. His family grew even more precious to him with the arrival of his nine grandchildren: Brooklyn, Shea, Gentry, Charlie, Maggie, Reese, Reid, Teagan, and Finn. John adored his grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to play with them, make them laugh, and create memories together.

After his football career, John worked as a salesman for gaming supplies, where his outgoing personality and ability to connect with people served him well. He never lost his gift for storytelling, and anyone who knew John likely heard more than one story about his football days. He loved pulling out videos of his plays and reliving those moments with anyone willing to watch—and often with those who had already seen them more than once.

John knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. He loved smoking a good cigar, listening to good music, cooking incredible meals, and spending time with the people he loved. He was often the first one to have a joke ready or to raise a glass for a toast. His generosity was one of his defining qualities. John gave freely of his time, his food, his stories, and his heart.

John was preceded in death by his parents: John and Alice (Olechnowski) O'Leary; his mother and father-in law: George and Margaret Reid; and his brother: Dennis O'Leary. He is survived by his beloved wife: Peggy (Reid) O'Leary; his children: Shannon (Brandon) Maxon, Tara (Kyle) Dudley, and TJ (Sarah Novacek) O'Leary; his grandchildren: Brooklyn, Shea, Charlie, and Maggie Maxon, Gentry and Reese Dudley, and Reid, Teagan, and Finn O'Leary; his brother: Timmy (Rita) O'Leary; his sister: Lisa (George) Haase; as well as many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and extended family who loved him dearly.

John will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation 2:00 - 4:00 PM Sunday (9/13/2026) with Vigil 4:00 PM at St. Robert Bellarmine Church; Funeral Mass 10:30 AM Monday (9/14/2026) at St. Robert Bellarmine Church 11802 Pacific St. Omaha, NE.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Gretna Chapel - 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090

www.RoederMortuary.com