James "Moose" O'Leary

James "Moose" O'Leary, 87, of Beacon passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 18, 2026. A lifelong Beaconite, Moose was born in Beacon on February 19, 1939, to the late Henry V. O'Leary, known as "The Colonel," and Pearl E. (Stevens)O'Leary.

Moose was a graduate of Beacon High School, where he played football. The 1955 and 1956 football teams went on to earn their place in the Beacon Hall of Fame as Dutchess County Scholastic League Champions two years running. That same group of friends were also legendary for having some of the best high school parties at Sylvan Lake-and, in true Moose fashion, even at the less-than-traditional location of Fairview Cemetery. Those stories, like so many others from Moose's life, were told and retold surrounded by laughter.

Following high school, Moose proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company from January 29, 1960, until his honorable discharge on January 28, 1964. The 2nd Force Recon motto, "Swift, Silent, Deadly," reflected the dedication and commitment with which Moose served his country.

His true love was the Marines. Anyone who knew Moose instantly knew that his love for the Corps ran deep. He was always quick to tell a story about his time stationed in St.

Thomas, or to share memories of "The Colonel" bringing the Beacon crew down to Parris Island. His pride in having been a Marine never faded. However, he would probably also be the first to agree that surviving the Marines was second only to surviving four daughters.

After his military service, Moose went to work for IBM, where he built a long and successful career. He retired in 1994.

Known as a true mountain man, Moose loved the outdoors and was a life member of the Wiccopee Rod and Gun Club. He loved to hike, hunt, trap, fish, and read, and he passed that love of the outdoors along to his daughters, teaching them to appreciate and enjoy the same things he did.

Moose was also known throughout Beacon for his stories. Many mornings began with friends, coffee, and the newspaper at Seeley's Store or Bob's Corner Store, where there was always a story to tell and, more often than not, another story to follow. His friendships, his memories, and his ability to tell a good story were all part of what made Moose uniquely Moose.

Moose's greatest pride, however, was his family. He is survived by his four daughters, Tracy O'Leary, Justine Antonatos and her husband, Jim, Stephanie Ingold and her husband, Joel, Jamie Zimmermann and her husband, Kurt. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Diandra, Demetria, Shanna, Max, Emily, and Hunter, and a great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren, Elliot, Charlee, Henry, Teddi, and Keeley. He is also survived by his nephews, Danny, Pat, and Timmy Blanchfield.

In addition to his parents, Moose was predeceased by his sister, Yvonne "Bonnie" O'Leary Eraca.

Moose lived life to the fullest-true to his friends, devoted to his family, proud of his service, and always ready with a story and a smile. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and countless stories that we hope will continue to be told for generations to come.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the good fortune to know him. And as Moose would have wanted, we'll leave him with the farewell he knew so well: Semper Fi.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 25, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 5:30 PM at McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his favorite charity, Dutchess County Toys for Tots at www.Dutchess.County.NY@toysfortots.org