Stephen Q. O’Leary – 77, of North Andover, died unexpectedly at his home on Friday, December 4, 2020. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara A. (Stinson) O’Leary.

Born in Melrose, MA on May 31, 1943, he was the son of the late Quinn and Elaine (Barnes) and brother of the late Daniel O’Leary. He was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1961, a graduate of Burdette College and served in the National Guard.  Steve most recently resided in North Andover and formerly lived in Lynnfield, North Reading, Reading and Melrose.

Steve had a 52-year career at NITCO and rose the ranks from sales to ultimately became an owner and President.  Steve’s professional accomplishments were unparalleled not only as a leader within his company, but also informally mentoring other business acquaintances.  He had a gift for showing interest and friendliness to all whom he met.  He loved making meaningful connections with people. His sense of humor was ever-present, and he was quick to use his wit to make others smile.  He was known for his generosity, willingness to help others and having the most positive outlook on life.  He perceived nothing in life as being a problem.

Although he had a great professional career, his favorite title was husband, father, and grandfather along with a focus on his Catholic faith and friends.  He cherished time spent with family and creating memories with them.  Steve loved being in New Hampshire at Webster Lake, beach side in Maine and anywhere that his family was.  Steve always felt fortunate to have found Barbara who was his wife of 51 years.  People would say”Steve and Barbara”, as if they were one person. They were inseparable with a loving marriage built on mutual respect.  Steve very much missed Barbara after her passing in 2017 and we know they are happily reunited now. Steve’s legacy lives on with his three daughters and sons-in-law whom he loved as his own: Kim Steele (Chuck), Melanie MacLean (Kevin), Stephanie Meer (Bill), seven grandchildren, Katrina, Patrick, Molly, Victoria, Evan, Madeline, Kaitlyn and 2 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Parish ,71 Central Street, Stoneham, MA on Wednesday, December 23 at 10:00 AM.  Family and friends are invited with social distancing. Burial will be private and there will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to St. Basil, Cursillio.  https://saintbasils.org/about/cursillio or to Catholic Charities https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com