James Stephen O’Leary, 38, of Maynard, died unexpectedly Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at the Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

Born in Concord and raised in Maynard, he was the beloved son of Joseph J. Jr. and Marion (DiNapoli) O’Leary of Maynard. James was a graduate of Maynard High School, and later attended Johnson & Wales University. He loved everything about hockey, including the Bruins and collecting hockey cards and autographs. Through the years he played the sport and was a member of a State Champion Pee Wee hockey team. His family remembers James always with a smile on his face, generous with his time and money, who loved to make people laugh and who had many, many trusted friends who were girls. A fantasy football fanatic, he also enjoyed meeting and getting autographs from his favorite rock bands. A spiritual person, he adored his son, Brady-James, and was crazy about his nieces and nephews. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a son, Brady-James J. O’Leary; girlfriend Tasha LeBlanc; a brother Joseph J. O’Leary III and his wife Jennifer; a sister Susan O’Neil and husband Allan; a sister Maureen Fichten and husband Scott; and 9 nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday, August 29th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 30th at 10:00am in St. Bridget’s Church, 1 Percival Street, Maynard. Burial will follow in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, Great Road (Rte 117) Maynard. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those who wish may make a memorial gift to benefit a trust fund for James’ son, Brady-James O’Leary. Checks may be made payable to Joseph J. O'Leary, Jr., and mailed to 17 Howard Road, Maynard, MA 01754.