The Beachmere Inn on Shore Road in Ogunquit will host a book signing by R
ichard O’Leary, author of “One with the Sea,” Sunday, October 30, from 1-3 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of O’Leary’s books will benefit the Marginal Way Preservation Fund. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
Please RSVP to Paul Breen at 603.860.1449.
Here is the sweeping story of one man’s remarkable life. Born the only son of an Irish immigrant, his love of the sea since a young child caused him to attend the Maine Maritime Academy, serve as an officer in the Navy, as an officer on the SS United States, and as the Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He went on to an illustrious business career based in Norfolk, Virginia. The company he founded grew from a one-person operation to a national company with 2500 employees and fifty-five offices in twelve states and built and owned a fleet of thirteen 600-passenger harbor cruise vessels. This is a grand story, not just about a man, but about the opportunity that America still offers.
Richard O’Leary grew up in Maine, attended the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, where he earned a bachelor of science degree. He also completed the Alexander Hamilton Institute’s course in Modern Business. He went on to receive a graduate tuition scholarship from Adelphi University where he earned a master in business degree, and was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree from the Maine Maritime Academy, as well as being one of the first twelve inductees into that institution’s Wall of Fame.
After service in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Merchant Marine, and as Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, he moved to Norfolk, Virginia, and became the assistant general manager of the Norfolk Port and Industrial Authority. In 1972 he founded a new company called Cruise Ventures Inc., that did business as Cruise International and C.I. Travel. Mr. O’Leary retired in 2005 after thirty-four years as CEO and chairman of the board.
He resides with his wife, Barbara, in Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, Maine, in the summer and Naples, Florida in the winter.