Michael O’Leary, a man of unyielding spirit and boundless love for the great outdoors, his family, and his faith, passed away at the age of 78 on June 10, 2024. Born August 02, 1945, in Ogden, Utah, Michael’s journey through life was marked by adventure, camaraderie, and an unwavering commitment to his family.
Throughout his formative years, Michael thrived in the embrace of nature and adventure, finding solace and joy in the mountains, rivers, and forests of his beloved Utah. After graduating from Saint Joseph High School, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the Marine Corps Reserve with pride and dedication.
A true outdoorsman at heart, Michael’s passions encompassed camping, fishing, skiing, and hunting, pursuits he cherished sharing with his brothers and sisters, children, and grandchildren. Though perhaps nothing ignited his soul quite like the freedom of the open road astride his beloved Harley-Davidson. For Michael, the roar of the engine and the wind blowing in his hair and beard were a symphony of liberation and exhilaration. He was an accomplished skier, competing in multiple competitions and taking home both silver and bronze medals.
In 1976, Michael found his soulmate in Nickie Thiros, with whom he shared countless adventures and cherished memories. Together, they built a life defined by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. His faithful companion and “soul dog”, Rhea, brought him immeasurable joy and companionship in his later years. After Michael and Nickie’s marriage at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Ogden, Michael fell deeply into his faith, the Greek culture and traditions, and the Greek community.
Michael’s legacy of love and dedication lives on through his surviving family members: his loving wife Nickie; his daughter Nicolette Lyhnakis and son-in-law George, along with their children Yanni and Chrysoula; his son Sean O’Leary, daughter-in-law Laura, and their daughter Keeva; his sisters Stephanie (Mike) Bennion, Melanie (Brad) Field, and Shannon Stinson, and his brother Johnny Weaver; his father-in-law, Nick Thiros; his brothers-in-law John (VerLean) Thiros and George (Janis) Thiros; his sisters-in-law Chris Thiros, Jayme (Dave) Connell, and Sophia Kim (Mike) Jones; his nieces and nephews; many extended family members and friends, as well as three children from his previous marriage.
He is preceded in death by his father Humphrey O’Leary, his parents George and Luella Weaver, his mother-in-law Aspacia Thiros, and his brothers Kelly and Kevin O’Leary who shared the same fighting spirit and sense of humor that defined Michael’s character.
Though Michael’s earthly journey has come to a close, his spirit will forever roam the vast landscapes he so adored, his memory etched in the hearts of all who were privileged to know and love him. As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the remarkable life of a man who lived each day with passion, courage, and boundless love.
A visitation to honor Michael’s memory will be held Tuesday, June 18th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, in Millcreek. The Trisagion service will be performed by Father Mario at 7:00PM. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at 11:00AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, in Salt Lake City. The interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, in Salt Lake City. Following the interment, a Makaria (memorial luncheon) will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral fellowship hall to celebrate Michael’s life. The family extends a gracious invitation to all who are able to attend and commemorate his memory.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Michael’s memory to either Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 or Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church at 674 42nd Street, South Ogden, UT 84404.
May His Memory Be Eternal.
Please share photos and condolences with the family at www.starksfuneral.com