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John O'Hara Obituary
He was a native of Newport News, the son of the late Joseph and Virginia Cooke O'Hara, and a resident of Norfolk since 1965.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Todd Fitzgerald O'Hara.
John graduated from Ferguson High School in Newport News in 1965. He received a B.A. in History in 1969 and an M.A. in Educational Administration in 1972 from Old Dominion University. He served as ODU's basketball team manager throughout college, and assisted at ODU's athletic events until his death.
John began his teaching career at Norfolk Catholic High School in 1972, where he taught History, Government and Social Studies. He also served as Norfolk Catholic's Assistant Football and Track Coach, Head Swim Coach and, later, as its Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. He moved to Granby High School in 1997, where he taught, coached the swim team and assisted with their football program. He moved to Maury High School in 1998 to become its Athletic Director. Upon his death, he was teaching History, Government and Social Studies at Maury and serving as its Head Swim Coach.
John was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and its Parish Council and the Old Dominion University Alumni Association. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club. He was a member and former Sportsman of the Year of the Norfolk Sports Club.
Survivors include Marilou O'Hara, his loving wife of 27 years; his daughter, Virginia Katherine O'Hara of Austin, Texas.; his son, Joseph John O'Hara II of Norfolk; his brothers, Stephen C. O'Hara of Minneapolis, Minn., W. Bryan O'Hara of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Thomas K. O'Hara of Annapolis, Md..; and many nieces and nephews.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Msgr. William Pitt. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. A Christian Wake Service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday in the church, followed by a visitation until 9 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Old Dominion University Athletic Association or to the Sweetie Howlett Memorial Tournament, 229 W. Bute St., Suite 630, Norfolk, Va. 23510. This tournament is being renamed the Sweetie Howlett/John O'Hara Memorial Tournament in John's honor.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John O'Hara
JoAnn McCullin
October 6, 2008
Dear O'Hara Family,
My heart is sadden by the news of John's death. I became very good friends with him when I was the Administrative Director for the Norfolk Sports Club. He was always willing to serve and I will always remember his great sense of humor! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Baham Gregory
September 25, 2008
I was deeply saddened when I learned of Mr. O'Hara's passing. This world was a better place with him in it and it is a better place because of him. He had such a wonderful way of inspiring all of us to be the best that we could be. What a wonderful gift he gave to thousands of students and athletes along his journey through life. We should all honor his memory by trying to pass on a little bit of Coach O's magic: Try and make a difference; inspire our young people; have integrity; stand up for what's right; stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves; laugh often; then laugh some more. I hope his family is comforted by how loved he was by all who knew him.
Sharon Baham Gregory NCHS '80
Louis Tudor
September 15, 2008
We were saddened to hear the news that a fellow swim team has lost a coach. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Norfolk Catholic school community especially the swim team. May God comfort all of you.
Sincerely, Coach Tudor
Roanoke Catholic
Bill Simmons
September 15, 2008
The Bishop Ireton High School community, and particularly our swim teams, send their condolences to the family of Coach O'Hara and the entire Norfolk Catholic family. Few people touch more lives more deeply than a high school coach. Our hope is that his inspiration and dedication with be with all your swimmers, students, and friends as they move forward this school year. Our prayers this day are with you all.
Rick & Sabrina Ricketts '95
September 14, 2008
"What though the radiance, which was once so bright, be now forever taken from my sight, though nothing can bring back the hour of my splendor in the grass, of glory in the flowers; we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind."
Suzanne Melcher '85
September 12, 2008
With sympathy, but great memories of Mr. O'Hara. I enjoyed the conversations and encouragement he gave to not only myself while a student at Norfolk Catholic. What a motivator. Your family is in my prayers.
Berk Millay
September 12, 2008
To the O'Hara Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on John's passing. As one of his Kentucky cousins, I knew John for most of my 60 years and I always admired his combination of kindness and strength in the face of adversity. Our family vacations to Newport News, visiting Aunt Virginia, Uncle Joe, John, Steve, Bryan and Tommy always left us with the impression that their's was a house of great love and faith. My Mother, Brother, my wife and I visited John two years ago and as always, despite the physical ordeal that he was facing, John remained upbeat and outgoing throughout our stay. Obviously, John touched many lives in a positive manner and he will be missed by all of us. However, our memory of his smile and the fond memories of John which made us smile will always remain.
Amy O'Neil Powell
September 11, 2008
Anytime I meet someone from Norfolk, I always ask if the know my godfather, and
the conversation has never stopped at yes...there is always a great story behind how they met John O'Hara...what a life...what a tribute...my thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary Lou, Virginia, Joseph, and all the O'Hara boys
Gene Jones
September 11, 2008
John has been my teacher,coach, friend and colleague. He was the impetus that propelled me to my first job as a teacher and coach. Now 25 years later, I'm still in education and thanks to John I am the man I am today. I owe you big time. My prayers go out to Marilou and the family. God Bless.
Sherry Hill
September 11, 2008
As a member of the NCHS class of ’75 I had the honor and privilege of being a member of his first class for his teaching career. He was a teacher, a coach, a mentor and a friend. What a blessing he was to so many as he challenged us all to be better, face the good and the bad handed us and to make a positive difference in someone else’s life.
What a great soul John O’Hara is.
My prayers are with the O’Hara family.
With love,
Sherry (Wyatt) Hill
Christina (Bieni) Thomas
September 11, 2008
I haven't seen "Mr. O'Hara" in many years and he probably wouldn't have remembered me, but I was a sad little girl who lost her mom at the tender age of 9. I had a brother one year older and two years younger. Mr. O'Hara was kind to us and taught us to swim and made us smile. We were members of the Warwick Yacht club back then (late 60's and through the 70's). My dad was working and grieving and the Yacht club was our haven. Mr. O'Hara helped us through that time, even included us in swim meets and encouraged us, all the while knowing we were not champion swimmers. We were truly blessed by his presence.
Anne Bisese
September 11, 2008
Dear O'Hara Family,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of John. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have so many fond memories of him, Freshman History, swim meets, visits to his parents and homeroom. He will always be in my heart.
Anne Bisese
NCHS Class of '75
Lou Cappi
September 10, 2008
As a teacher/coach at NCHS I had the opportunity to enjoy John's freindship. One of the things I remember the most is his ability to intemidate freshman and have seniors consider him a freind and confidant. The greatest compliment I can give to John is, he was a true GENTLE-MAN.
Lou Cappi
September 10, 2008
As a teacher/coach at NCHS I had the chance to enjoy his wit, and his love of life. Freshman were scared of him, upper classmen thought of him as a second dad. For those that knew him he was truly a Gentle-Man.
Maura Heiss
September 10, 2008
Dear O'Hara Family,
Coach O always had a good word and kept us in line at NCHS. I last saw him at a HS reunion 10 years ago and we shared memories that made us smile and laugh. I teach at home and have used my World History skills given by Coach many times. May you be comforted by God who knows your hearts' needs at this time.
Maura (Gaskin) Heiss NCHS '78 Milwaukee, WI
bill neutz
September 10, 2008
My deepest sympathies to John's family and loved ones. John was a man for all seasons, following his calling as a teacher in whatever capacity he was needed; John's heart knew no bounds. I was privileged to know him and work with him.
Bill Neutz
Pt Pleasant Beach, NJ
Bonita Harris
September 9, 2008
Dear Marilou and family,
Cadillac and I are so sad to hear about the loss of Coach O'Hara. We fondly remember how you and he welcomed us into the Maury famiily with open arms. We just loved his zest for life and willingness to help anyone in need. We hope you take comfort in the many wonderful years you had together. We are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless you.
Bonita Harris and family
Anne Giles
September 9, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the O' Hara Family. May your memories bring you comfort knowing John is at peace. God is holding him in his hands now. Now John can watch over us, just like he did when he was at Catholic. He was a great person and teacher. He will be missed.
John Vellines Jr. (MHS 02')
September 9, 2008
To the O'Hara family, my heart and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. Coach O was a dear friend to all of us, and a man who will certainly never be replaced. His love, support, and guidance will live on forever in the many young lives he touched. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his student-athletes, and his door was always open. He was an extremely loyal and visible fan to all of us in the Maury sports family. I can still see him walking around the pool barefoot, or wearing his eyepatch and referee shirt at the ODU basketball games. No one has made an impact on sports, and the lives of young athletes in this area, quite like Coach O.
Coach O, thank you for everything! Our faith tells us that you are now in a better place. We are all so fortunate to have had you as our coach, and as our friend. You will be greatly missed.
-Johnny V
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Christine Whitmore Rucker
September 9, 2008
When I think back to my highschool years .... memories of Mr. O'Hara's history class at Norfolk Catholic bring a smile to my face! He was passionate. He was kind. He was dedicated. He loved to teach and he was excellent at it.
May you feel God's love and comfort during this difficult time. I will be covering your family in prayer!
Sending prayers and love.
Marianne Bowman (Hughes)
September 8, 2008
A man greatly missed
upon whose lips you once kissed.
Strength and Integrity
have now gone to God's heavenly city.
May your tears be wiped
by God's own hand.
As he leads your loved one
to the promised land.
Coach O'Hara was always a big name around my house growing up as my older brother swam and played football under him at NCHS between 88-90. He seemed gruff but when I had him as a homeroom teacher in 96 at CHS I learned that most of it was a show and that he had a warm heart underneath. He always made people believe that they could be better than they were and to strive to be the best. His legacy will always be remembered fondly by those who knew him. God Bless the O'Hara family in this time and Coach "O" himself.
Martin Champaco
September 8, 2008
Our prayers and Condolences to the entire O'Hara family Coach O'Hara was a Great teacher and mentor his memory has and will continue forever thanks Coach .
Martin Champaco NCHS 75
John Moore
September 8, 2008
Marilou, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Coach "O" was a great man. He touched the lives of thousands of people. I am happy to be counted as one of them. Unfortunatley, I will be unable to attend services as I will be in India. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Coach O.
John V. Moore NCHS 81
Meg Baker(Brooks)
September 8, 2008
To the O'Hara family ,am sorry for your loss, Coach will be a man that everybodys life he touched they will never forget...
Bob Veith
September 8, 2008
To Marilou and Family: In the 36 Years which I knew Coach "O", no one was ever more committed to the values and traditions, of not just the athlete, but of the "whole person". He touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with, and the legacy he leaves lives on forever. God Bless John!
John Pitchford Family
September 8, 2008
Coach O'Hara was one of those rare individuals who truly lived in accordance with his convictions... clearly evident in everything he did and said. A role model of the highest caliber to thousands of us over the years, his NCHS family is blessed to have known him.
Our deepest condolences.
Michelle Wood
September 8, 2008
Marilou and Family
You and your family are in our prayers. What a fine man he was. I had the privilege of having him for my advisor while at NCHS. Always there for his students and players without fail. He will surely be missed. Rest in Peace, Coach O.
Michelle Carmody Wood '81
Mary and Kenny Turner
September 8, 2008
To Marilou, Virginia and Joey,
We're so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. It'a a sad, sad day at ODU, Catholic High, Maury and Granby. Ken had Coach O'Hara as a teacher and Senior advisor at NCHS. Our daughter, Jessica, knew him as a teacher at Maury. He was wll liked by all who knew him and will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with you.
Chuck Stern
September 8, 2008
O'Hara Family;
Thirty nine years ago I had the privilege of swimming for John at the Warwick Yacht Club. New to the area, I did not know John had a glass eye. When he took it out and held it up for all of us to see, it was quite a shock! He inspired us to do our best and overcome obstacles that got in our way. I will always remember that summer. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Amy and Michael Carlyle
September 8, 2008
To The O'hara Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. He was a great person, and had a tremendous love for what he did!! He will be missed greatly!!!
Elaine Campbell
September 8, 2008
I was shocked and deeply saddened this morning when I saw in the paper where John had died. I am at a loss for words...my deepest sympathy to all the family. I have fond memories of my visits to Joe and Gin's home and all the good times with the O'Hara family back in the 70's. My deepest sympathy to you Bryan, Tommy and Steve with the loss of you brother and to Marilou, Joseph and Virginia with the loss of your husband and father. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during these difficult days for your family.
Robert Wyda NCHS class of 78
September 8, 2008
My condolences to the O'Hara family...Coach O was always passionate about impressing upon us all, that giving your best...is being the best!...and I've remembered this since my high school days! God bless the Ironman!
Donald McMillian
September 8, 2008
To the Ohara family- my deepest sympathies on the loss of "COACH-O" He will be missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
V/R,
Donald McMillian
NCHS class of 1979
Carole Cowling
September 8, 2008
To the O'Hara family - my deepest sympathies on the loss of John. He was a very special person to so many; especially his former Norfolk Catholic High students - my thoughts are with you.
Carole Grissom Cowling
Louis Moore
September 8, 2008
My sincere condolences to the O'hara family. I will always remember and thank Coach O'hara for his integrity and passion.
Louis Moore
NCHS Class of 1984
Cindee RiegodeDios-Keaton
September 8, 2008
Marilou- Our deepest sympathy at the loss of such a wonderful man. John was very special to my brother, Chris who passed away in 2006. I know that he is up in heaven guiding him once again. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Sam Allaun and family
September 8, 2008
Am at a loss for words. John was a great childhood friend . His memory will live on.
Emily Jones
September 8, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
sherri link-lovell
September 8, 2008
steve, Bryan and Tommy,
I was shocked to hear of John's passing. Although it has been many years since I last saw him, I would think of him often and the fun times at the Yacht Club. I also remember all the fun times at the O'Hara house - it was just like a second home always full of laughter. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Sherri Link Lovell
Anya & Rudie Simpson
September 7, 2008
My simple words cannot capture the depth, strength, kindness and wisdom of the this special man. Many have been blessed to know Coach O' as a teacher, a coach, a friend; we will all cherish the lessons and the memories, forever. All our love to you and the kids, Marilou.
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