Mr. George W. O'Hare Jr.

George W. O'Hare, Jr.

LOWELL - George W. O'Hare, 87, a beloved political figure, devoted father, and lifelong resident of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, after a long illness, with his youngest daughter by his side. A longtime parishioner of the Sacred Heart Parish and resident neighbor, George was born in Lowell to the late Marion R. (McFadden) and George W. O'Hare, whose house he proudly still called home.

George's roots were deep in the Lowell community and its institutions. He began his education at Notre Dame Academy before attending Sacred Heart Elementary, where he graduated with the class of 1952. During these formative years, he was an active Boy Scout and an altar boy. George then continued to Keith Academy High School, Class of 1956, where he followed his father's athletic footsteps and excelled in sports and leadership. A natural athlete, he spent his time there playing on the basketball, baseball, and football teams. George also served as President of both his sophomore and junior classes and won high honors as the Sports Editor for the Keith Sentinel.

Following high school, George went on to join the U.S. Marines in 1956. He completed training at Parris Island and Camp Pendleton before being stationed in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii. As a Corporal and a Diary and Corresponding Clerk, George was immensely proud of his service. Although he served during a time of non-active war, he happily shared stories of his time in Hawaii, including being stationed during the filming of the movie South Pacific and having orders of escorting actress Mitzi Gaynor around the island.

Upon returning home, George began a distinguished 40-year career with the New England Telephone Company as a Construction Head Lineman. Through those years, he steadily moved up the ladder changing positions as the company changed its name multiple times, eventually retiring with Verizon, as a Public Relations Director.

In his spare time, George was an active leader, and used that time out in the community, encouraging youngsters to be involved in sports. Some of the important roles he held were: Director and Coach of the Sacred Heart Church CYO Intermediates; Assistant Scout Master Troop 36 BSA; Co-founder and Coach of the Lowell Junior Football League; and Director and Coach of the Lowell Pop Warner Football League. He also became a registered ASA Umpire and played in various men's leagues in the city

Away from sports, George took time to continue his education by attending colleges such as Northeastern University, UMass Lowell, Merrimack College, and the Wentworth Institute, earning a degree in Civil and Highway Engineering.

Family life came next, along with his political interest, which blossomed into a remarkable career of public service. Serving as Vice Chairman and Treasurer for the Democratic City Committee in the early 1970s, he tested his ability for a seat on the Lowell Public School Committee, where he instantly secured his seat for two years before being defeated. It didn't stop him, and he regained his seat shortly after, holding onto it for the next 10 years.. . During his terms with Lowell, he again became very active in the sports programs where a few of his achievements included expanding the school Athletic programs to give female athletes and equal footing, and for proposing the plan for building a gymnasium at Lowell High.

Another defeat for Lowell Public led George to test his luck at the Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee, where he soon was voted in, and never looked back, serving his terms for another 26 consecutive years. There, he was committed to creating partnerships between the school and the district communities, supported specific programs for students with significant disabilities, and advocated for a vocational education. As an athlete himself, supporting the interscholastic sports program was also a priority to George, and he countlessly attended many events and games to proudly cheer on the student athletes, as well as taking a position in his spare time as a regular officiate for the girls high school softball league within the region. He was extremely proud to be the longest running committeeman in the city's history to represent Lowell, as everyone knew his name, and everyone knew his signs.

Aside from his professional and political commitments, George maintained memberships with the Lowell Roadrunner's Club, the Lowell/Chelmsford Lodge of Elks, The Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Longmeadow Golf Club. He also served on the Board for the Alternative House in Lowell, and the Greater Lowell Technical High School Scholarship Committee, helping organize their annual Golf Tournaments.

George's greatest joy, however, was his family. As a father and grandfather, he was always there to share his time, generosity, and love. Family life included annual vacations at Seabrook Beach, trips to Boston, hikes in the mountains, and fun-filled excursions to Disneyland. The time he most loved though, was spent with his grandchildren at his home on Lake Winnipesaukee, enjoying never-ending boat rides, skiing at Gunstock, and sampling all the local eateries. His annual golfing trip to Sanibel Island was also a treasured ritual, where he played countless rounds and courses, making long lasting great memories with "the boys." A 45 year season ticket holder, he often shared his Celtics, as well as his Red Sox tickets, with his daughters, grandchildren, and close friends. George was an avid traveler, exploring such places as France, Zion National Park, and cruising Europe's major rivers. Most importantly, were his two trips to Ireland that allowed him to proudly obtain his right to become an Irish Citizen.

George leaves behind his two daughters, Susan O'Hare and Darragh O'Hare; his five grandchildren, Molly Black; Francine Black, and her fiancée Troy Martinez; Logan Black; Angus Black; and Cavan Black; one great grandchild Demrezelle Martinez; his niece Pamela Connell; his grandnephew Joseph Kirane; as well as many close cousins within the McFadden, Leary, Hayes and O'Hara families. He was predeceased by his sister Rita Thompson, and niece Dana Kirane.

George also leaves behind his family of exceptional, dedicated and compassionate caregivers at the Sunny Acres Legacy Care, who have gone above and beyond to turn his layover into the final inauguration party he truly deserved.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND GEORGE'S CALLING HOURS ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025, FROM 2 PM UNTIL 7 PM AT THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL. GEORGE'S FUNERAL WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY MORNING AT 9 AM FROM THE FUNERAL HOME, FOLLOWED BY HIS FUNERAL MASS AT 10 AM AT THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 144 E. MERRIMACK ST. LOWELL. BURIAL WILL FOLLOW IN ST. PATRICK'S CEMETERY. AS AN EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY, DONATIONS IN GEORGE'S MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO THE Alzheimer's Association, 320 NEVADA ST., SUITE 201, NEWTON, MA 02460 OR TO ALZ.ORG/DONATE OR TO HIDDEN BATTLES FOUNDATION, 76 PLEASANT ST. DRACUT, MA 01826 OR AT WWW.HIDDENBATTLESFOUNDATION.ORG/SUPPORT

ARRANGEMENTS BY THE

FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS

978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com