Obituary of Dr. Richard G. O'Leary

Dr. Richard G. O’Leary 2-09-1929~5-13-2021; retired Obstetrician-Gynecologist

Dr. O’Leary graduated from Holy Cross College; Worcester, MA and Albany Medical College. Following his internship in Rochester, NY, he enlisted in the US Public Health Service and served 2 years with the US Coast Guard. Part of that time was spent at US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT where he served as a medical officer aboard the cadet training vessel USCG “Eagle.” Upon discharge from the service he did his residency in OB-GYN at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Jacksonville, FL.

In 1960 he entered private practice in Winter Haven at the Gessler Clinic becoming the 5^th doctor in the group and the first Board Certified OB-GYN physician in Winter Haven. During his active practice in Winter Haven at the Winter Haven Hospital, he served as Chairmen of the OB-GYN Department, Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Vice President of the Polk County Medical Association. He was a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics-Gynecology; Diplomat of the American Board of OB-GYN; and a member of The Southern OB-GYN Society. He was a life member of the Polk County Medical Society and Knights of Columbus.

He retired in 1991. He enjoyed fishing of all types; especially bill fishing, and traveled to several countries in the Caribbean, South America and Central America following his favorite pastime. He and his wife enjoyed many trips to Europe and the Far East.

He was preceded in death by his son, Rick and is survived by: wife-Jeanne, daughters Patti Hughes (Mark) of Sarasota, Janet Carroll of Tampa, Susan Adamson (Eric) of Lakeland, daughter in-law- Denise O’Leary of Laurel, MS; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. At his request, there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital in memory of Dr. Richard G. O’Leary.