Paul F. O'Leary

Rochester, NH- Col. Paul F. O'Leary, (Ret) NHSP passed away peacefully Sunday Jan. 7, 2018 at Frisbie Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born June 3, 1928 in Dorchester, MA., the Neponset section of Boston, the son of the late Daniel J. and Mary K. (Finnegan) O'Leary. Paul was a graduate of Brewster Academy, Class of 1949. He proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Marines during WWII and the Korean War. Colonel O'Leary began his law enforcement career with the Wolfeboro Police Department and in 1953 he was appointed to the N.H. State Police.  He is a 1964 graduate of the 74th session of the F.B.I. National Police Academy. He organized and directed the State Police Training Academy in 1966, which was the forerunner and model for the present-day Police Training Academy. He has attended the Traffic Institute of the University of Maryland and numerous other law enforcement associated programs at various institutions. During his 32-year career with the State Police, Colonel O'Leary organized and commanded a State Police Drug Unit which was given national recognition by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and an Executive Commendation by Governor Peterson. Another Executive Commendation was received, this from Governor King, for the work of a special unit, under Colonel O'Leary's command, which patrolled Hampton Beach after the riots of the 1960's. Colonel O'Leary has served ten years as Executive Officer under two Directors and has been in command of all operations and administration of the State Police. He is the first member in the history of the State Police to be appointed Director with the rank of Colonel after serving in every rank and position of command. Among his many activities, Colonel O'Leary is adjunct professor in Police Science at St. Anselm's College in Manchester, Past President of the Strafford County Law Enforcement Association, President designate of the F.B.I. National Academy Association of New England and a member of the International, New England and N.H. Association of Chiefs of Police. He has the distinction of being selected as a non-lawyer member of the American Bar Association. Paul had a huge passion for football but above all he treasured his wife, family, Irish heritage and his faith. Members of his family include his loving wife of 68 years, Lucia A. (Jutras) O'Leary, son Kevin O'Leary, daughters Colleen and husband Mark Hammond and Patricia O'Leary, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, son-in-law Michael Coltin. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel J. O'Leary in 2007 and daughter, Mary K. Coltin in 2017. Family and friends may visit Friday Jan. 12, 2018 form 4-8 PM at St. Mary Church, 71 Lowell Street, Rochester, N.H. For active and retired law enforcement, there will be a police walkthrough Friday 2:30-3:30PM at St. Mary Church A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday Jan. 13, 2018 at 11AM at St. Mary Church, 71 Lowell Street, Rochester, NH. Burial will be in the NH Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH in the Spring with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Mary Church, 71 Lowell Street, Rochester, NH. 03867. Arrangements are under the care of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main Street, Rochester, NH. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.edgerlyfh.com