Thomas J. O'Lear

Thomas J. O'Lear, 70, of Pocono Pines, PA, passed away suddenly Monday, December 9, 2024, at his home. Born in Hazleton on January 7, 1954, he was a son of the late Joseph A. and Anne P. (Matas) O'Lear. Tom graduated from Marian High School, Tamaqua and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Bloomsburg University.
Tom spent his life and career as a musician. From the young age of 12, he was known for playing the piano and keyboard for many talented bands from Tamaqua to the Lehigh Valley and the Pocono region. Tom possessed a very unique talent of being able to listen to a song and instantly play it by ear. He loved to sing music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, specializing in songs performed by the artists Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel. He has played opening acts for artists such as Aretha Franklin and the Spinners, and recorded music with a variety of bands over the years. In addition to performing, Tom also worked part-time as a piano teacher, sharing his passion for music with many young individuals. In recent years, he cherished the moments playing the piano with his young grandson at his side. He was of the Catholic faith and enjoyed playing the organ at Thornhurst United Methodist Church in Thornhurst, and the Pocono Lake United Methodist Church in Pocono Lake. Aside from his love of music, he was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants.
Surviving are his daughter Lauren (O'Lear) Danahy and her husband, Benjamin of Philadelphia, PA; his siblings, Joanne Kennett and her husband, Peter of South Hamilton, MA, Joseph O'Lear and his wife, Sue of Panama City, FL, Mary Beth O'Lear of Jupiter, FL, Lynne Miller and her husband, Robert of Conyngham, PA, and Jeffrey O'Lear and his wife, Beverly of Canadensis, PA; his grandson, Orion Danahy; his nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday December 15, 2024, from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at Yanac Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 35 Sterling Road, Mount Pocono, PA. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 26, 2025, with a Catholic Mass and Interment in Calvary Cemetery, 49 South Hunter Highway, Drums, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Summer Youth Music Program at The Salvation Army Camp. Checks should be made out to The Salvation Army (please indicate on the check that it is to benefit the Summer Youth Music Program and is in memory of Tom O'Lear) and mailed to Ladore Camp & Conference Center, PO Box G, Waymart, PA 18472. Also, donations can be sent online to The Gift of Music Foundation at www.giftofmusic.org/donate, which provides musical instruments and music education to at-risk youth. On the donation page, please check the box that indicates the donation is in memory of Tom O'Lear.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Yanac Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 35 Sterling Road, Mount Pocono, PA. Online condolences can be made at www.yanacfuneralhome.com.