John R. O'Clair

John Robert O'Clair, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, educator, and musician, passed away on July 23, 2025, in La Cañada Flintridge, California, at the age of 93.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on May 6, 1932, to Dorothy and Francis O'Clair, John grew up in West Springfield surrounded by extended family and rich memories of summers in Rocky Neck, Connecticut, and Northfield, Massachusetts. He served five years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Mississippi, Colorado, Washington, Guam, and beyond. During his service, he started a Men's Glee Club and performed jazz at officer clubs, early signs of the lifelong passion for music that would define his career.

After his military service, John earned degrees from Gonzaga University and Columbia University, studying under the guidance of the Jesuits and musical mentor Lyle Moore who shaped his love of teaching and faith. He married Zola, the love of his life, in 1957 after meeting her at a roller-skating rink on the way to Deer Lake. Together they raised three daughters while building a life grounded in music, education, and faith.

John spent 30 years as a music and choral teacher in the Monroe-Woodbury School District in New York and later at Columbia University, inspiring generations of students with his dedication, talent, and humor. Summers were spent at Cranberry Lake in the Adirondacks, where he built a lakeside cabin that remains a beloved retreat for his entire family.

In retirement, John continued to embrace creativity and learning-painting, golfing, conducting choirs, studying jazz, playing bridge, and even building and flying an ultralight airplane. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Monroe, serving on the Finance Committee and singing as a bass in the choir.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Zola O'Clair, his sister Jackie, his daughters and their families, Janet O'Clair, Susan and Daniel Moore, and Katie and Joseph Birmingham, and his grandchildren Carly, John, Elizabeth, and Emily. His legacy lives on in the music he made, the students he inspired, the faith he lived, and the family he so deeply loved.

There will be a graveside service for John on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Cranberry Lake Cemetery in Cranberry Lake, NY. Arrangements are entrusted to French Family Funeral Home, Star Lake, NY. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.