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DAVID O'HARA Obituary

O'HARA, David A. Of Brighton and Winter Haven, FL passed away at his Florida home after a battle with cancer on April 10, 2013. He was the loving husband to Julia "Cis" (Hufnagle) O'Hara for 43 years before her passing in 1995, also the father of David, Jr. and his wife, Donna of Canton, Stephen and his wife, Susan of Ft. Myers, FL; Deborah O'Hara Rusckowski and her husband, Steve Rusckowski of Andover. Proud grandfather of Michelle and John O'Hara, Tim and Christie O'Hara, and Lauren and Joe Rusckowski. He leaves his long-time companion, Sue Ezell of Winter Haven, and his sister Ethel "Babe" O'Neil and her husband, Joe, both of Winter Haven and New Hampshire. Dave retired in 1992 after an incredible 50 year career as Sports Writer and Editor with the Associated Press. The Coconut Grove fire in 1942, along with the Harvard commencement speech outlining the Marshall Plan both jumpstarted his career. His career spanned coverage for news events like the famous Brinks Robbery in 1950, political campaigns, including traveling with JFK in Wisconsin in 1960, and sports. Although primarily based in Boston, one assignment required a move to Milwaukee for seven years where he loved covering the Braves and the Packers. Sports would ultimately be his primary focus with the AP, with a special love for Boston sports. Although he covered all sports including basketball, football, hockey, boxing, golf and tennis _ baseball was his true passion. He particularly loved covering Red Sox spring training in Winter Haven, Florida for 25+ years. Dave often reminisced of his days covering Aaron to Spahn to Williams to Yaz, including 12 no-hitters and 2 perfect games. Dave had a special relationship with the sports celebrities he wrote about, always respecting their privacy and earning their confidence. He was surprised and humbled to be the only sports writer invited to the tribute for Ted Williams at Fenway Park. The Dave O'Hara Award for excellence in journalism, begun in 1993 by the Boston Baseball Writer Association, was a great honor bestowed on him by his peers. Dave was also a very proud veteran of the Korean War and a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also loved his many friends, and being a member of the Brighton Elks Lodge #2199. Dave was a generous donor to the New England Sports Museum of the many memorabilia he collected throughout the years. The sports world has lost a legend, and others have lost a good man and fun-loving friend. Funeral from the Lehman Reen & McNamara Funeral Home, 63 Chestnut Hill Ave. (nr. Brighton Courthouse) BRIGHTON, Saturday at 9:30am. Funeral Mass in St. Columbkille Church, 321 Market Street, Brighton at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting Hours Friday 4-8 pm. Interment Massachusetts National Cemetery Monday at 11am. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Dave may be made to the Jimmy Fund, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Funeral Home Handicapped Accessible. For directions and guestbookplease www.lehmanreen.com Lehman Reen & McNamara Funeral Home Brighton 617 782 1000

Published by Boston Globe from Apr. 10 to Apr. 12, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for DAVID O'HARA

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Valenda Newell

November 11, 2016

MAY THE GOD OF COMFORT BE WITH YOU,DRAW CLOSE TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW CLOSE TO YOU..JMES.4:8...Q

April 24, 2013

As you turn to God through your tears and sorrow, bear in mind, “He is the healer of the brokenhearted ones”. (Ps.147:3)

C Johnson

April 18, 2013

May your fond memories bring a smile to your face. Turn to God to bring you comfort in your distress. He is near to all those calling upon him and their cry's for help he hears.
Psalms 145: 18,19

Robin

April 13, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Evette

April 13, 2013

I first met Dave in 1981, when at 17, I started working as a freelance sports reporter. He could not have been more helpful and kind. Dave treated young people starting out the same as the veteran reporters he had worked with for years-always easy going, helpful and never to busy to share his wealth of knowledge. I always felt fortunate when there was empty seat at his table which wasn't very often because everyone wanted to enjoy his company.

RIP Dave

Allan Fitzmaurice

April 13, 2013

To the O'Hara family, I offer my sincerest condolences, but I temper that with the knowledge that you've received a legacy of laughter and love. No one can ask for more.
Dave became a big part of my life early in my career when Gil Peters, the UPI sports editor in Boston introduced me to Dave as my "opposition. Taking me aside, Gil told me that if I get in a jam, Dave would take care of me. Trust me, Dave got me through the early days and neither of us had a reason to panic over the basics. A story was another thing...but that's the job.
In those days, I quickly learned, there was a triumvirate of sports writers in Boston; (in alphabetical order) Ray FitzGerald of the Boston Globe; Tim Horgan of the Boston Herald and Dave O'Hara of the AP.
If it wasn't for Dave's help especially in the early days, I might never have been able to have a 23-year career of writing about sports in the greatest sports town in the world.
Thank you Dave. As I now work on a national golf and lifestyle strata, your lessons hold true the same as they di the day a stumbled down the press box stairs in 1974.

Jack O'Leary

April 13, 2013

As the AP bureau chief in Boston I worked with Dave for the latter part of his distinguished career. He will be remembered as an influential figure in the history of New England sports writing. Beyond that, he was an unfailingly loyal colleague and a good friend. My wife and I will miss the annual ritual of sending a Christmas card asking for Dave's prediction for the coming Red Sox season. Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Michael Short

April 12, 2013

Winter Haven has lost a legend and sports writers everywhere have lost someone to aspire to. My love to Babe and Joe.

George McNamee

April 12, 2013

So sorry to hear about the Passing of Mr O'Hara. Steve and Dave do we have to talk about being introduced to 16 ounce Budweisers can at your house, 40 years ago, and me deciding to take a nap on the sidewalk on my way home,early in the morning, missing the high school ski trip the next day. Yeah we don't need to talk about that
the reality is I was very lucky to grow up next to the O'Hara family and hang out with the kids. we were very luck and Blessed as kids to grow up together
God Bless the O'Hara Family
Gary Mac Isaac

April 12, 2013

happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted."matt.5:4..so sorry for your loss..d~~

April 12, 2013

One of the best things I was fortunate enough to take away from my 15 or so years in front office work with the Pats, Bruins and Boston Garden was the special relationships I was lucky enough to have with so many of the Boston and New England press --
in appreciating that even in more recent years, it's easy to remember that Dave was surely one of those at the top of the list -- to his family, sincere regrets at his passing -- Jack Nicholson, Auburn, Mass

April 12, 2013

We are sorry for your loss. May the love of God and friends carry you through this time of great sorrow. Psalms 9:9

Pat

April 12, 2013

I had the honor and privilege of meeting Dave twenty five years ago when I was working for the Boston and Winter Haven Red Sox. He was a man of enormous integrity, character, and class. He had many friends throughout the county, but had established deep friendships with many of the Winter Haven residents. He was a very kind, generous,and giving man. When you met Dave, you liked him immediately.....his laugh, smile, and sense of humor was infectious.
During the Korean War, he served with honor, distinction, and courage. He was very proud having served his country and receiving the Combat Infantry Badge. He had a deep and abiding faith that carried him throughout his life. I, as well as, many people feel enriched having know him, and will be deeply grateful knowing he made a positive difference in many lives. He was a true friend and I thank God for having known him.

May He Rest In Peace.

Richard T. White

April 11, 2013

My first job was as a freelance assistant to Dave, when I was 18 years old. I lied about my age and he later told me, "Don't worry, I was 15 when I went to work for the AP and I lied about MY age, too." Dave was a great mentor, friend and after-work companion as he allowed me into his circle of media veterans and front office executives. I learned a lot and benefitted from introductions made with the O'Hara Seal of Approval. Deb, my deepest sympathy to you, your siblings and the entire extended family.

Tom Shaer

April 11, 2013

Dave and I go back to his days of covering the Red Sox in Winter Haven. I admired him and envied some of the assignments he had. I asked him often about covering the Milwaukee Braves, the Lombardi Packers and of course the Red Sox. Among other good things, he was a resource and always helpful when I asked for information. He was quite a professional with a good sense of humor, and I can hear his laugh right now.

Dick Scanlon

April 11, 2013

Debbie, My sympathy to you and your family upon the passing of your dad. He had quite a career and life. Cherish your memories. They will never leave you.

Bruce Dean

April 11, 2013

Dave was so big in life, he leaves us with a heavy and big heart today and at the same time his hearty laugh and zest for life. He lives on. WIth love and prayes to his family xo

Ann Jameson

April 11, 2013

Dave was a wonderful man when I covered the Red Sox for WJDA Radio. Always willing to help a young radio guy. He was a class act and I'm sorry to read of his passing. My condolances to his family.

Charles Ross

April 11, 2013

Dave O'Hara was a man like no other. Unique, yes. But also honest, opinionated, funny, sincere, warm, witty and many other descriptive words that he would find annoying and verbose. Let all who know him remember Dave O'Hara as the consummate professional whose passing leaves the world one less wonderful human being.

Terry McSweeney

April 11, 2013

rip

michelle plakas-kaiser

April 11, 2013

My sincere condolence for the loss of Dave your dear loved one. May your fond thoughts of him bring back good memories. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you all show. [email protected]

B Lucas

April 11, 2013

RIP Uncle Dave!!!

Larry O'Neil

April 11, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. O'Hara. May God grant you peace during this difficult time.2 Cor. 1:3

C.D.

April 11, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Veronica Cother-Bentley

April 11, 2013

Stephen, Debbie, and David, you have my sincere sympathy for your father's passing. Please find solace in God's word at this sad time. He will give you comfort because he cares. 1 Peter 5:6,7

Ed

April 11, 2013

rest in peace

Dwayne Bickham

April 11, 2013

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