Alan O’Leary, retired psychologist, writer

Dr. Alan O’Leary, 81, died of complications of late-stage Parkinson’s Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at Beebe Healthcare. Alan was born in Butte, Mont., to Vic and Peg O’Leary, from whom Alan acquired his humorous charisma, kindness, and athleticism. At Butte Central High, he lettered in basketball, baseball, and track, and became known as “the fastest boy in Montana,” when he set the state record in the 440 dash in 1960. This earned him a four-year track scholarship to the University of Oregon, where he co-captained two teams to NCAA national track championships in 1964 and 1965. Later he was inducted into University of Oregon Hall of Fame and the Butte, Mont., Hall of Fame. 

After receiving his bachelor's and master’s degrees from Oregon, he began work as a counselor at Sacramento State University, where he also participated in civil rights actions for fair housing. In 1970, he moved to Athens, Ohio, to earn a PhD from Ohio University, where he also worked as a counselor in the student health center. In 1973, he was hired as the founding director of the local community mental health center, where he met his soulmate and wife of 49 years, Donna Mabry, who also became a psychologist. In 1982, he went into private practice, and over a 24-year career with his empathy and sensitive wisdom, he developed a reputation as a therapist’s therapist.

During his years in Athens, he was president of the local ACLU, the life of many parties, and an undeniable force on the court in 35 years of pick-up basketball games. He was known for his dead-eye shots and for his abysmal mechanical abilities, a mixture of aptitudes that earned him the sobriquet “good hands, bad fingers.” 

In 2006, Alan and Donna retired to Rehoboth Beach, and Alan began his writing career with the Rehoboth Art League’s Writers Group and the Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild. He was known for his pitch-perfect dialog and the colorful stories from his Butte childhood, several of which were published. 

Alan was predeceased by his parents, who had retired to San Diego, Calf.; his sister, Lynn O’Leary-Archer; and brother-in-law, Roger O’Leary-Archer of Los Angeles, Calf. He is survived by his two loving children from his first, seven-year marriage to Jeanne, his daughter, Shannon O’Leary of Los Angeles, Calif.; and his son, Kevin Moore-O’Leary, his wife Kara, and their delightful children Izabella and Jules of Davis, Calif. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, three sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews, who almost to a person, regard Alan as a favorite uncle. 

Throughout his life, Alan was a devoted, loving husband; a deeply committed and loving father, who co-parented his children after a divorce; and a playfully loving grandfather. He was loved deeply and widely by family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. His love, levity, and kindness will be sorely missed. 

No public services are planned at this time, but cards to Donna Mabry (Mrs. Alan O’Leary) & Family, c/o Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium at 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, would be greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, make donations in Alan’s memory to the Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County, P.O. Box 56, Lewes, DE 19958; Rehoboth Art League; or Rehoboth Film Society.

Visit Dr. O’Leary’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.