Abhiroop Das
Helmed by Sean McNamara, ‘Soul on Fire’ tells the story of John O’Leary, whose life turned upside down on January 17, 1987, when a fire accident left him with burn injuries covering 100% of his body. Many doctors gave him a less than 1% chance of survival, but this did not deter John or his loved ones, who continued to fight for his recovery. The biographical drama film chronicles his miraculous survival and path to healing, both on a physical and emotional level. In doing so, it also highlights the many people who stood by his side and actively provided him with support.
At the top of the list are his parents, Dennis “Denny” O’Leary and Susan O’Leary, who go through hell and back to save their child’s life. Both Denny and Susan’s characters are based on their real-life counterparts, and the movie recreates key details from John’s upbringing and recovery. From Denny’s journey through several feet of snow to hold a prayer service for his son, to participating in the festivities at St. Louis County’s Busch Stadium, the father-son relationship, borrowed from real life, is the beating heart of the narrative.
Dennis O’Leary Battled Parkinson’s For Over Three Decades
James Dennis “Denny” O’Leary, Sr. was born on August 13, 1944, in University City, Missouri. At the age of 15, while studying at St. Louis University High School, he met the love of his life, Susan Kilker. From there, he enrolled at St. Louis University for his undergraduate degree, where he also attended law school and earned his law degree. In the years to come, Denny tied the knot with Susan and established his own private law practice, collaborating with his father-in-law, Robert Kilker, in a partnership that continued for the next three decades. Around this time, Denny also became a father to six children, including John O’Leary. As a lawyer, he enjoyed great professional success and was renowned for his expertise in construction and surety litigation.
At the age of 48, five years after John’s accident and subsequent recovery, Denny was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that changed the course of his life. Although his illness and its physical toll forced him to step away from his work as a litigation attorney, Denny continued contributing his legal expertise at the architectural firm HOK, where he supported major construction projects, including professional sports stadiums. However, the progression of Parkinson’s gradually made sustained work no longer possible. Over the next three decades, the disease slowly narrowed his physical world.
Dennis O’Leary Passed Away Peacefully in May of 2025
In his blog, John O’Leary recalled many doctor visits as his father struggled with broken bones, bowel difficulties, and the need for advanced treatments. He also added that, despite the challenges, neither Denny nor Susan ever complained; instead, they became an embodiment of resilience. John particularly drew attention to a personal memory of taking care of his father in the hospital, and how he overheard his mother whispering to his father that “You’re still my boyfriend and I still love you.” He explained that this was not something she said due to her concerns about the future, but as a true expression of her love for Denny.
On World Parkinson’s Awareness Day, that is April 11, 2024, Denny appeared on John’s Monday Motivation podcast and spoke at length about his battle with the disease. He detailed that, despite having lost his ability to walk, type, and sometimes even speak, he was grateful for the small gifts in life and expressed gratitude for all the support he had received. He was also thankful for having co-written the book, ‘Overwhelming Odds,’ with Susan, about John’s life and battle with his injuries.
It was on May 30, 2025, that Denny passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. His funeral rites were held on June 12, 2025, with a visitation and Mass of Christian Burial at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church in Des Peres, Missouri. Friends and relatives were invited to honor his memory with donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, reflecting the family’s enduring wish to support research for Parkinson’s disease. In life and in death, Denny’s legacy continues to be one of unwavering love, joy in service, and courage, qualities that continue to shape the lives of those he touched.
Read More: Is Beth O’Leary Based on John O’Leary’s Wife? Where is She Now?
