John O'Hare

1925 - 2024

John O'Hare
06/02/1925 - 08/12/2024
John was born June 2, 1925, to Dr. A. P. O'Hare and Katherine Duggan, in St. Louis, Mo. He was the oldest of five children.
His parents instilled in him a sense of adventure, and a thirst for learning and adventure, which remained with him throughout his life. By the age of nine years, he had traveled by automobile and had visited the major cities of the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of the United States. He had also absorbed the significance of many of America's historic locations and areas of natural beauty. When he wasn't raising his children or working for himself in the oil industry, or establishing a Trust Department in a bank, he had many adventures in 33 countries on four continents. This travel included East Germany and Czechoslovakia, when they were behind the Iron Curtain.
He entered Christian Brothers High School when it opened as a Military School, and graduated in 1943, entering the Army in the same year.
He landed at Omaha Beach when the Allied penetration into Normandy did not exceed the range of the big guns of the Battleships supporting the Invasion. John joined Co. E, 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division, as a replacement at St. Lo, and took part in "The Breakout" from Normandy, the Hedgerow fighting and the six-day Battle of Mortain. Historians consider only the Battle of the Bulge to be more important than the Battle of Mortain for ultimate victory on the Western Front. After decades of attempts, it was President Trump who awarded the Presidential Unit Citation to the famed World War II's 30th Infantry Division for their actions at the Battle of Mortain.
John was cited for Gallantry in Action at the Battle of Magdeburg, Germany, and awarded the Silver Star Medal, and several other Bronze Star Medals. His European Campaign Medal included Stars for five Campaigns.
In 2011, John was honored as a Cavalier of the French Legion of Honor, signed by then French President Sarkozy.
After World War II, he returned to St. Louis University, where he majored in Philosophy. In 1952, he received a Juris Doctor Degree from St. Louis University Law School, and he passed the Bar Exams in Mo. and Ill. that same year.
In 1954, John moved to Houston, and passed the Texas State Bar Exam. On January 9, 1961, he became a Member of the Supreme Court of the United States, in Washington, DC.
He leaves behind Gail, the love of his life, and the source of great joy and happiness; along with his beloved children, Patrice, and her spouse, Greggory, Maureen, and her spouse, Tom, John, and his spouse, Lucy, and James, and his spouse, Delphine; along with seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
This is a direct quote from John: "For me, the primary lesson of The Battle of Mortain was that human life is the most sublime gift of our Creator. Life is ours to live wisely and constructively. My four children seem to have understood this message. Life will also be enjoyable if we find the right mate and balance."
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd., Houston, Texas 77056.
Condolences may be offered at www.millerfuneral.com