Dudley O’Leary, a past president of MTFOA and long-time coach in Weymouth, has passed.

As a valued official for many years, Mr. O’Leary would go anywhere and everywhere and do whatever was needed to make a track experience better for youth, high school, college and open athletes. 

He officiated mostly as a clerk. Many can remember Mr. O’Leary doing other events such as the high jump. He also officiated at road races such as Falmouth and the Boston Marathon.  

In addition to being a Past President MTFOA and a member for many, many years, he was a former MIAA State Meet Track Director. He was inducted into the Mass. State Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1982.

Mr. O’Leary is in Milton High School’s athletic hall of fame for his sprinting accomplishments. He was a team captain and school record holder for Boston University’s track and field team, and he is in the Weymouth High School Hall of Fame for his coaching accomplishments.

“Dudley was ‘one of a kind’ in every way,” said Ed Meehan, who was an assistant coach to Mr. O’Leary at Weymouth  High School beginning in 1965. “LEGENDARY. Excellent coach, in both track and field events. He really understood ‘technique,’ as few coaches did at the time. Sometimes a bit unorthodox, but always got results.”

“He began in 1962, I think...revived a program...to make it tops in state. His dual meet outdoor teams would compare well to the best dual teams today, even without performance adjustment of 50 years,” said Meehan. Mr. O'Leary coached boys teams and then girls teams later in his career.

“Very competitive, no nonsense, quick temper, but always saw the humorous side of everything.  Made track fun for the kids, and he was flexible enough to focus on the kids strengths, not their weaknesses,” Meehan continued.

“Dudley played a prominent role in organization, officiating, and directing the MSTCA meets in the ‘60's and ‘70's and went on to be Eastern Mass. and State Meet Director for many years. Dudley O'Leary was a force in Massachusetts High School Track for over 50 years,” said Meehan.

Our condolences to his family and friends. 

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Obituary

O'LEARY, Dudley F. Of Milton, died on January 17, 2019. A Milton resident since 1947. Beloved father of Michael O'Leary and his wife Susan of Falmouth, Karen Barrows and her husband Gary of Merritt Island, FL, Marianne Carter of Bangor, ME, Walter O'Leary and his wife Tara of Milton and Susan Stocks and her husband Doug of CA. Former husband of the late Theresa A. (Mikulski) O'Leary. Brother of Walter L. O'Leary of Braintree, Edmund O'Leary of West Roxbury and Marilyn Bowen of Dennis. Cherished grandfather of 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dudley was born in Boston. He was a graduate of Milton High School 1947, Boston University 1952 and earned his Master's degree in 1953 from Boston University. He was a track star and team captain at B.U. Dudley was a dedicated teacher and coach at Weymouth High School for over 30 years. He was the director of track for the State of Massachusetts, indoor and outdoor track and track official for over 40 years at high school and collegiate level. He was inducted into both the Milton High Athletic Hall of Fame and the Weymouth High Athletic Hall of Fame. Dudley enjoyed spending time with his family who were the most important aspect of his life. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visitation on Monday, January 21, 2019, 3-7PM in the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at 10:30AM in the Dolan Funeral Home. Interment in Milton Cemetery, Milton.

http://www.dolanfuneral.com/obituaries/

(Photo/Beth Malone)

• Wednesday 12/19/18 - BU
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