Martin “Marty” Howard O’Leary, 89, passed away on October 9, 2024.

Martin “Marty” Howard O’Leary, 89, of Milford, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024. Born on January 9, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Howard O’Leary and Charlotte O’Leary, and beloved husband of sixty-eight years to Lucille Giglio.

Marty was born and raised in the vibrant Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. From a young age, he was fascinated by aviation, often watching planes take off from the Floyd-Bennett Field Air Base in Brooklyn, sparking his lifelong dream to fly. After graduating from Bishop Laughlin High School, he immediately pursued his goal, entering an accelerated boot camp to join the Air Force as quickly as possible. Marty excelled, surpassing every challenge and graduating at the top of his class. He proudly served in the Air Force for twelve years, thereafter, continuing his dedication as a member of both the Reserve and the New York Air Guard.

Marty's passion for learning led him to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in Engineering and Applied Mathematics from the University of Omaha. Upon retiring from the Air Force, the opportunity arose to fly with American Airlines as a commercial pilot, where he worked until his retirement at age sixty.

Marty's love story with his wife, Lucille, began in their early teenage years at the dentist's office, where he cleverly asked her to hold his hand during a fearful dental procedure, only to admit afterward that he simply wanted to hold hands because of her beauty. They dated throughout high school, married immediately upon graduation and raised four children together. Their bond remained strong throughout their lives.

Family was always at the center of Marty’s life, and he cherished being surrounded by multiple generations of loved ones under one roof. His favorite role was that of grandfather, where he found immense joy in teaching his grandchildren vital life lessons and sharing his passions of traveling, hunting, and fishing. He organized extended annual vacations with his family, particularly his grandchildren. In his final days, Marty reminisced about his life with one clear takeaway: “Spending time with my family has been the greatest joy of my life.”

Marty was a man of faith, resilience, and generosity, and his legacy of love and adventure will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Marty is survived by his three beloved children: Kathleen Franco, Janet Reres, and Matthew O’Leary and his wife Lisa; Eight grandchildren: Joshua, Joseph, EvaMarie, Richard, Brendan, Matthew, Nicholas, and Andrew; Four great-grandchildren: Milo, Benjamin, Macklin, and Madison; As well as his sister, Patricia Copp, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Marty is predeceased by his cherished son, Michael O’Leary, and four siblings: Dorothy Stewart, Eileen Stillwell, Tim O’Leary, and Michael O’Leary.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday. October 18, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. Military Honors followed by a Prayer Service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.