1983 ~ 2025
Lark O’Leary, 42 of Riverton, Utah, died on August 25, 2025.
Lark Marie Romaniello Pokorski was born in Boston, Massachusetts, August 19, 1983. After a successful and rewarding career as a Radiation Therapist in Proton Therapy at Huntsman Cancer Institute, she chose to leave the medical field, next serving as Director of Events for a non-profit organization Cars 4 Kids Foundation. Recently she worked as a Marketing Manager in the social media industry. She began her higher education as a sociology major at Sonoma State University, in Rohnert Park, California, held a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University, in Utah and certification as an X-Ray technician from the University of North Carolina.
Lark’s effervescent, playful, light, and creative energy made her a cherished presence in the lives of those who knew and loved her. Her infectious laughter and sparkling smile ignited links between people and her deep desire to connect was seen in the profound way she thought about and lived within her relationships. She asked much of herself and, despite life’s struggles, she stretched to live her best, sharing the love in her heart, encouraging others to love well.
She is survived by her life partner, Kevin Shiele, of Riverton, her mother, Jo Romaniello and step-father Charles Sawabini, of Athol Massachusetts, her father, Peter Pokorski and step-mother, Joanne Donovan, of Watertown, Massachusetts, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. For each of us, the memory of Lark will hold the bittersweet reality of knowing, loving and profoundly missing her.
A local Celebration of Life for friends is being held on Tuesday, September 2nd in Utah:
RSVP // https://tr.ee/5FKGT5QkPR
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday November 8th, in Massachusetts. The specific date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Lark, may contribute in her name, to support one of the following charities:
Cars4Kids: https://c4kdrive.org/donate/
Taylor Hagen Memorial Foundation: https://linktr.ee/RockNRowe?lt_utm_source=lt_share_link#502051007, or
The charity of your choice.
You were always loved more than you ever understood. I cherish every memory we made, sweet cousin. I hope you have found the peace you always searched for.
Jo and Chuck - there are no words good enough to help…please know that I am praying for you.
So sorry for your loss of a beautiful soul 😢
My heart goes out to all the family and friends of Lark may she rest in peace
Blessed Be
Jo,
I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Continued prayers for you and your family.
With love,
Anna & Family
My deepest condolences Kevin
My condolences to your family. Lark was my student many years ago. She was bright, beautiful, and talented. I knew she succeed in anything she put her mind to. I'm very saddened to her of her passing.
Truly,
Dana
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES SHE WILL BE MISSED! R.I.P.
Dear Chuck and Jo, we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for God’s comfort and Grace to carry you through.
With His Love…Bud and Sandi
Dear O'Leary Family,
Our office noted with sadness the passing of your loved one, Lark, and we wish to send our condolences and sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of bereavement. As a member of Weber State University’s extended family, friends and associates will miss her.
While we realize a condolence letter cannot lessen your sense of loss, we want to let you know that her achievements and contributions were appreciated at Weber State University.
Sincerely,
Nancy B. Collinwood
Executive Director of Alumni Relations
Jo, Chuck, There are no words to describe how devastated this is to me….,you are in my prayers daily and may the Lords comfort and love wrap around you both for healing…...We love you,
Jill, Jake and John
I really enjoyed working with Lark. She was always such a wonderful person to work with everyone. She worked with enjoyed working with her. I know her patient’s enjoyed the wonderful way that she treated them during their difficult times having cancer.
She is loved and missed by all who knew her I am sure. Rest in peace sweet Lark.
Jo,
Our hearts are with you and Chuck through this terrible time. May you and your entire family find peace in their memories of Lark.
All our love,
Elaine and Larry
My sweet Lark,
I don’t have the words and I not sure I ever will. You were and always will be a main foundation of my childhood and teenage years. Subs on Tuesdays, my nanas lake in the summer, getting ready for dances, and getting caught passing notes. Going to the mall and jp licks, nail painting to the best cd mixes and laughing until our stomachs hurt. I have so many photos of you and your smile just lighting up the entire frame everytime. I’ll forever keep cloud watching and wonder how exactly you ever enjoyed pizza with no cheese. Love you forever larkipoo 🩵
Ever since I was a kid, you’ve been there. Not just for me, my entire family. My child, even. We love you so so much. The memories of you, Emily and the whole crew in my sisters bedroom will forever live free in my memories. You were so loved. Rest easy, Lark. ❤️
Jo, I'm deeply sorry for your loss of your daughter, Lark. Know that friends are praying for you and Chuck as you walk through these next days and months. With Love, Cheryl
So sorry for your loss - sending hugs and love your way
I have no words to lessen the pain I imagine you are feeling. You have been constantly in my thoughts since I learned of your loss. I am holding you in my heart and my prayers.