Captain Douglas Michael O'Leary, 78, a lifelong resident of Marblehead, passed away on June 13, 2018, after a brief illness, surrounded by the love and care of his family. Douglas leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Judith L. (Goodwin) O'Leary, his daughter Tara (O'Leary) MacCarthy and her husband Kenny MacCarthy of Marblehead, his grandchildren Keira O'Donovan of Somerville, Seamus O'Leary and Connor O'Leary of Salem, his brothers Richard J. O'Leary of Annisquam and Brian T. O'Leary of Belchertown and several nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by his son, Captain Brendan M. O'Leary, in 2012, and also leaves behind Brendan's widow[KO1] , Kate (Murphy) O'Leary and her daughter, Mea . Doug was the son of the late John F. and Beatrice (Pariseau) O'Leary and was predeceased by his brother John F. O'Leary and brother-in-law Captain Steven W. Goodwin.

Doug's love of the ocean began at age 12 while working as a stern man on local lobster boats. Following his graduation from St. John's Preparatory School in 1958, Doug attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Navigation & Seamanship, a U.S. Coast Guard's 3 ^rd Mate's License and a Commission as Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Doug went on to earn his Master's License (Master, Steam & Motor Vessels, any Gross Ton, Oceans) and his Pilot's License (Coast Pilot of Steam & Motor Vessels any Gross Ton from Bangor, Maine, to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, all major ports in between including the Hudson River to Albany, NY).

His seagoing career took many forms: as officer on general cargo ships, captain on commercial fishing vessels, oil tankers, tug boats or research vessels and finally, in retirement, as a harbor launch driver. Truly a mariner and mentor at heart, Doug will be remembered for his love of the ocean and his love of learning and teaching.

As a highly-skilled model boat builder, he created exquisite to-scale replicas of Nantucket whaleboats, Gloucester fishing schooners, pilot schooners and other vessels from scratch. What started as a way to pass the time while at sea became an instrument to keep marine heritage alive through art.

A longtime member in a recovery fellowship, Doug was known for his steadfast advice, open heart, welcoming smile and unwavering faith. A lifelong hockey lover, he played throughout his boyhood and into his retirement years. He was a beloved coach since the early 1970s for Marblehead Youth Hockey, the Salem-Swampscott Blades and the Learn to Skate Program at the O'Keefe Center.

Doug was blessed with a fine tenor voice and singing was always a part of his life. He found great joy as a member of the church choir, participating at Our Lady Star of the Sea (Marblehead), St. John's The Evangelist (Swampscott) and most recently at St. Mary Our Lady Star of the Sea (Beverly).

Doug was a member of the Marblehead Harbors & Waters Board and Marblehead's Historical Commission, the Cape Ann Ship Modelers Guild, the Boston Marine Society, the Nautical Research Guild.

Doug was loved for his humor, fortitude, kindness, and unwavering integrity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he loved so well. A wake will be held at Murphy's Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, MA on Friday, August 3, 2018, 4:00 to 8:00 pm and a funeral mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, 174 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, MA on Saturday, August 4, 2018, 11:00 am. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com