Remembering B. Michael O'Hara
B. Michael O'Hara, known as "Mike," passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 87 after complications related to Parkinson's Disease, which he faced with remarkable courage and determination. Mike was highly respected for his expertise in real estate, and he retired from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in 1999, where he held several important roles in the Office of Real Estate, including Head of the Government Activities Section.
Career and Professional Achievements
Mike's distinguished career in public service was primarily with the General Services Administration (GSA). In 1986, he retired from the GSA after 27 years, concluding his tenure as Director of the Technical Services and Surveys Division in the Office of Real Property (FPRS). He continued to contribute his knowledge and leadership at WMATA until his retirement in 1999.
Early Life and Education
Born in the District of Columbia, Mike moved with his family to southeastern Michigan as a preschooler. He attended both elementary and high school in Michigan before returning to Washington, DC for college. He pursued higher education at George Washington University and later graduated from American University.
Personal Life and Interests
Mike was a long-time resident of Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. After retiring from WMATA, he relocated to Annapolis, MD, and eventually settled in The Villages, FL, where he and his wife Cherie lived for the past 20 years. Mike enjoyed boating, tennis, hiking, bicycling, traveling, golf, and various spectator sports. He was a dedicated Washington Capitals fan and held season tickets for many years before moving to Florida. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, both immediate and extended. After the passing of his older brother Jim in 1989, Mike became the beloved patriarch of the family and was proud of his two children, whom he had with his former wife, Annette Gagnier Torrey.
Family
He was predeceased by his brother, James G. O'Hara, and his sister, Sally K. Tanner. He is survived and dearly missed by his loving wife Cherie Farlow O'Hara, son Brian O'Hara, daughter Babs Godoy, grandson Alex, granddaughter Nicole, stepson Jim Doran and step-granddaughters Chloe and Lily, and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews across Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/.
B. Michael O'Hara, known as "Mike," passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 87 after complications related to Parkinson's Disease, which he faced with remarkable courage and determination. Mike was highly respected for his expertise in real estate, and he retired from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in 1999, where he held several important roles in the Office of Real Estate, including Head of the Government Activities Section.
Career and Professional Achievements
Mike's distinguished career in public service was primarily with the General Services Administration (GSA). In 1986, he retired from the GSA after 27 years, concluding his tenure as Director of the Technical Services and Surveys Division in the Office of Real Property (FPRS). He continued to contribute his knowledge and leadership at WMATA until his retirement in 1999.
Early Life and Education
Born in the District of Columbia, Mike moved with his family to southeastern Michigan as a preschooler. He attended both elementary and high school in Michigan before returning to Washington, DC for college. He pursued higher education at George Washington University and later graduated from American University.
Personal Life and Interests
Mike was a long-time resident of Washington, DC and Alexandria, VA. After retiring from WMATA, he relocated to Annapolis, MD, and eventually settled in The Villages, FL, where he and his wife Cherie lived for the past 20 years. Mike enjoyed boating, tennis, hiking, bicycling, traveling, golf, and various spectator sports. He was a dedicated Washington Capitals fan and held season tickets for many years before moving to Florida. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, both immediate and extended. After the passing of his older brother Jim in 1989, Mike became the beloved patriarch of the family and was proud of his two children, whom he had with his former wife, Annette Gagnier Torrey.
Family
He was predeceased by his brother, James G. O'Hara, and his sister, Sally K. Tanner. He is survived and dearly missed by his loving wife Cherie Farlow O'Hara, son Brian O'Hara, daughter Babs Godoy, grandson Alex, granddaughter Nicole, stepson Jim Doran and step-granddaughters Chloe and Lily, and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews across Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of B. Michael O'Hara, please visit our flower store.
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