Frank T O'Hearn Jr

Frank Thomas O'Hearn Jr, 82, of Forest Grove, and longtime resident of Madras OR, passed away on November 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Frank was born November 21, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Frank Thomas O'Hearn Sr and Helen O'Hearn (Smentowski)
From his teenage years, Frank had a love for languages. All through high school into adulthood, he focused on ways to help the Latin American communities here in the US and abroad. During high school he began his training in Mexico. After graduating from Bishop Dubourg High School in 1961, he attended Southeastern Missouri State College majoring in languages and joined the Navy Reserves. It was while in college, he received a letter to join the Peace Corps. He began training at the University of Notre Dame, which led him to Chile. He was the youngest member of the Peace Corps and part of the second group.
While in the Peace Corps, he found his calling: helping Migrants. After serving two years with the Peace Corps, he continued living in Chile working for IBM doing translations. He later taught English at Berlitz language school where he continued his interest in languages, becoming fluent in 8 languages. He also interpreted for the Finance Section of Latin America for the United Nations. Frank has worked with Berlitz in Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico and in the United States as an ESL instructor.
After years of living abroad, Frank returned to the States continuing his work with Berlitz in Miami and continuing his life's work helping Migrant workers from Latin America for over 65 years.
Frank chose to settle in Central Oregon and lived in the region for almost 50 years. He was the head of Chapter I-M, (later Title I) where he assisted many migrant families in keeping their kids on track in the schools and helped many students move on to higher education. He was also an interpreter for the police department, sheriff's office, and the municipal court. He spent many years patrolling Oregon's State Parks.
Frank was affectionately known throughout his life as a dedicated helper to others, particularly in the Hispanic community. His home was always open to anyone who needed their mail translated or to talk through a difficult situation. He delivered turkeys at Thanksgiving, and gifts, food, and trees at Christmas. He ran a summer school program for ages K-6 with a Mexican cultural emphasis. As a police interpreter he was a reassuring face to people in their darkest times. In his later years Frank co-authored a police handbook called "The Complete Spanish Field Reference Manual for Public Safety Professionals."
Frank loved to drive. Every August he would take his family on a month-long road trip to see much of the United States. Frank loved good food and reminisced about the lavish meals he experienced overseas. One of his favorite pastimes was taking his family and friends to Seafood or Mexican restaurants.
Frank is survived by his children Denise (Juaquin) Ugalde, Tanya (Gary) Blatt, Sean (Elsa) O'Hearn, Rene (Maddy) Rodriguez, Angela (Poochie) Jones, John (Amy) Gervais, His grandchildren Shon Jones, Elizabeth Tolene-Stoner, Annalise Schmaedeke, Jessica Jones, Eden Gervais, Jo Gervais, Samantha Jones, Ian Jones, Christobal Ugalde, Rosario Ugalde, Sedona O'Hearn, Sade O'Hearn, Alexis Rodriguez, Diego Rodriguez, and five great grandchildren.
He was loved by many and will be missed.
Preceding Frank in death are his parents, brother Dennis O'Hearn, and sons James, and Charles O'Hearn.
Graveside services will be at Mount Jefferson Memorial Park, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Funeral/Memorial services will be held at Juniper Community Church at 12:00 p.m. with Poochie Jones officiating. Food will be provided.
Memorial donations in Frank's memory may be directed to https://migrantworkersalliance.org/
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