Edward J. O'Hara

Edward O'Hara passed away peacefully August 11, 2025 surrounded by loving family after a brief stay at the Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. Born on February 24, 1946, he was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Ruth (Barney) O'Hara, and his daughter, Tess O'Hara.

A man truly loved by many, he leaves behind his loving wife, Patricia (O'Rourke) and her children Cheryl Chmura, her husband Timothy, and Rocco Celletti, his wife Heather. Edward was blessed with four children from his previous marriages. His daughter Dawn O'Hara, her husband William Choquette, his son Jonathan O'Hara, his wife Susan, his son Colin O'Hara, his wife Jacklyn, his daughter Andrea Curi, her husband Omar.

Edward was Pop, Poppy, and Dad E O to those who loved him. He was a proud grandfather of ten, and a great-grandfather of four. Family was everything to him, and his visits with family brought him the most joy.

Ed grew up in Pawtuxet Village and was a fixture of the village in his early years. He worked as a soda jerk at Cameron's Pharmacy, and a paper delivery boy for the Providence Journal from a very young age. His passion in his youth was the water, and he saved all of his money to buy his first small motorboat by the time he was twelve. He would be regularly seen out on Narragansett Bay in the early morning hours before school.

After graduating Pilgrim High School, he attended Rhode Island College, earning his degree in Art Education. This while balancing being a new dad and working at United Parcel Service and Texas Instruments in Attleboro. He student taught at Pilgrim before coming on as an Industrial Arts Teacher. Teaching became his mission, and he was very respected by his peers and students. He was especially known for helping students reach their best potential in the arts. While teaching, he started EdArt Ceramics, an entrepreneurial endeavor that would last for well over twenty years.

In retirement, Ed spent the last ten years wintering with his wife in Vero Beach, Florida. He loved his Florida life, and made many good friends there. His porch overlooking the pond was his favorite napping and reading spot, often with his beloved dog Callie at his feet.

With Pat, Ed enjoyed theater, movies, live music, bike riding, walking, card playing, games, and family time. A visit to his home would surely end with a tour of his gardens that he so lovingly tended. His sense of humor was always at the surface with a quick wit and an infectious laugh.

A Celebration of Life for Edward will take place Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Ocean Ave in Cranston. Service at 11am with fellowship immediately after in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ethel Salhany Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Rhode Island College in Ed's name.