The Boston Athletic Association mourns the passing of Michael P. O’Leary, MD, a member of our B.A.A. family since 1989. Dr. O’Leary served as the B.A.A.’s President and Chairman from 2017 through 2023. Michael’s leadership guided the organization through growth and fostered a deepened commitment to our community. Dr. O’Leary was inspired to be part of the B.A.A. after growing up in Framingham along the Boston Marathon route and witnessing his father serve as a physician for the B.A.A.’s Brown family. He joined the B.A.A. in 1989, served on the Board of Governors beginning in 2004, and for six years led as President and Chairman of the Board. Beyond the B.A.A., Dr. O’Leary had a distinguished medical career with Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham. We remember Dr. O’Leary, and extend our heartfelt condolences to all his family, friends, and loved ones, especially his wife, Dr. Kathleen Welch and children Jackie and James.
“We will remember Michael for his endless commitment and deep dedication to the B.A.A. He was a cherished colleague and dear friend, whose quiet demeanor helped lift our organization to a new height of excellence. Michael was steadfast in embracing our history, while wholly engaged in looking to the future to see the possibilities of building the running community so all who wish to participate have a pathway to do so. May the light of his memory shine ever brighter on this Fourth of July.” — Peter Brown, Chair of the B.A.A. Board
“Dr. O’Leary’s passion for the Boston Athletic Association’s mission — especially events and programs beyond the Boston Marathon — was felt in his leadership and direct support of the staff, as well. He appreciated and had confidence in the professional administration which the B.A.A. assembled, and which began with the evolutionary step towards a new era of running in the mid-1980s. Drawing from his own profession, he advanced innovative ideas and listened to the predicted results before forming an opinion on ways forward for the B.A.A.” — Jack Fleming, B.A.A. President & CEO
