Colin Patrick O’Leary, 42, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at Mason Health and Rehab of Warsaw, after a long and uncomplaining battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

He was born on Sept. 23, 1970, in Lansing, Mich., to Stephen O’Leary and Diane Kay (Peterson) Barron, who both survive. As a toddler he was called “Caboose”.

Colin was thought of by several people as the “Gentle Giant”. He was a big man with a kind heart and a gentle nature. Colin was a 1989 graduate of North Farmington Hills High School in Michigan. He received training at STIRC in Plainwell, Mich. He had been a resident of Kosciusko County, Ind., for the past 18 years where he worked at Owen’s Supermarket in Warsaw as a custodian and laborer. He and his ready smile will be missed.

He will be lovingly remembered by his mother and father; two brothers: Neil O’Leary, Tempe, Ariz.; Jay Barron, Spokane, Wash.; two step-brothers: Thomas (Kellie) McCarthy, Michigan; Patrick (Cassie) McCarthy, Michigan; grandmother: Eileen O’Leary, Hanover, Mich.; long time special friend: Tammy Lane, Warsaw; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

No visitation or services are planned. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Jackson, Mich. Arrangements entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw.

Memorial donations in Colin’s name may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196; or to the ALS Association Indiana Chapter, 6525 E. 82nd St., #115, Indianapolis, IN 46250, and would be appreciated by his family.