Bedford, New Hampshire
1930 - 2007
John J. O’Hara, 77, of Bedford, NH, died December 6, 2007, at Elliot Hospital, after a brief illness.
Born in Scranton, PA, on April 3, 1930 he was the son of Francis and Gertrude (Lunney) O’Hara. He resided in Manchester, NH for many years before moving to Bedford twenty five years ago.
In 1951, Mr. O’Hara earned a degree in classics and literature from the University of Scranton. He also earned a master’s degree in philosophy from Georgetown University in 1955. Mr. O’Hara was a doctoral candidate at Fordham University.
He served with the United States Marine Corps.
Until his retirement, Mr. O’Hara was a professor of philosophy at Notre Dame College where he also served as chairman of the Humanities Department for thirty-eight years.
In his life: Mr. O’Hara had extraordinary command of the English language. He was an accomplished Irish tenor who performed numerous concerts at Notre Dame College. He enjoyed sailing and was an avid reader. He was predeceased by his former wife, Marilyn "Marny" (Long) O’Hara
Family members include his wife of twenty-four years, Beth Ann (Halpin) O’Hara of Bedford, NH, two sons, Matthew O’Hara of Hooksett, NH, Michael T. O’Hara of Manchester, NH; two daughters, Rosamond "Rosie" O’Hara of Raleigh, NC and Kathleen "Kate" Duval of Raleigh, NC; ten grandchildren, three step-daughters, Rabbi Susan Abramowitz-Silverman of Eilat, Israel, Laura Silverman and Sarah Silverman both of Los Angelos, CA; his brother, Timothy O’Hara of Collegeville, PA, several nieces, nephews, and an aunt.
Services: A memorial celebration of his life will be held Monday at 10:30 AM at C.R. Sparks Restaurant’s function facility, 18 Kilton, Road, Bedford, NH.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that blood donations in Mr. O’Hara’s memory be made with the American Red Cross or memorial donations be made to New Horizons for New Hampshire, Inc., 199 Manchester, NH 03103.
The Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester is in charge of the arrangements.
To view the on-line guest registry, please visit:www.connorhealy.com.
I second waht Joe said and I miss grandpa everyday ... Im coming up on my first brithday without my grandfather around and I feel a tremendous void and I hope somewhere he is watching over me and is proud of how hard working I am now
Jon O'Hara
May 17, 2008 | Concord, NH
I had the best grandfather ever!
Joe Duval
January 29, 2008 | NC
I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. B.A. - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sadness.
Kristy Lavigne
December 29, 2007 | Sagamore Beach, MA
I was so sorry to read about Mr. O'Hara's passing. He was a wonderful man. In the car tonight, I heard "O Holy Night," and remembered how he would sing that song at each Notre Dame Christmas party. What a beautiful voice! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Beth Ann.
Kathy (Bigley) Remillard
December 10, 2007 | Weare, NH
John was a loving, gentle man who gave wonderfully warm hugs! My thoughts and prayers are with Beth Ann and John's whole family at this time of intermingled grief and celebration of his life.
Anne Cocci
December 09, 2007 | Fremont, NH
MY UNCLE WAS PRETTY COOL.
ART (AND PAULA) DONAHOE
December 09, 2007 | MANTEO, NC
John was a quiet motivator, in the class room and in his daily life. We will miss him for his witty sense of humor and love of family and friends. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to Beth Ann and the rest of his family.
Joe & Lindsay Vago
December 09, 2007 | Manchester, NH
I will remember John with fondness for his mild manner and sense of contentment. I extend sincerest sympathies to his wife, Bethann and daughters Kate, Rosie and sons, Matt and Mike.
Jerome Duval
December 08, 2007 | Manchester, NH
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
The Staff of Connor-Healy Funeral Home
December 08, 2007 | Manchester, NH
