William "Bill" O'Gara

Westbrook -
William "Bill" O'Gara had a peaceful passing at his home surrounded by his family on November 5, 2024. Born December 6th 1931 in Westbrook, he was the son of the late John L. and Margaret (Wilson) O'Gara. Bill graduated from Westbrook High School as class president in 1950. After graduating, he served with the U.S. Airforce during the Korean War. Following his service to his country, he attended Portland Junior College, where he earned his Associate's degree. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Beverly (Irish). After marrying in 1956, they began building their life together while Bill completed his Bachelor's degree in Education at Springfield College. They settled in Westbrook, raised their family, and celebrated 68 years of marriage in September.
Bill began his teaching career at Waynflete School in Portland before moving on to a long tenure at Mahoney Junior High in South Portland as teacher and coach. His passion for learning enabled him to stand out as a leader and mentor to staff and students. Over the years, Bill was humbled and amazed by the gestures of gratitude from students on the positive impact he made in their lives. As many teachers do in the summer, Bill took on seasonal positions during his spare time, including; Scarborough Downs, Portland International Jetport and the Portland YMCA. Following retirement from teaching, Bill explored opportunities at Jet-Line Environmental Services, Pape Chevrolet, Gagnon Real Estate, Portland Seadogs, finally settling in with the Maine Turnpike for the remainder of his professional career.
In addition to his experience and success in these areas, Bill's esteemed public service career began in 1974. He is Westbrook's longest-serving mayor, a role he cherished for 10 years. His pride and love for his hometown took him to Augusta where he represented Westbrook, Gorham and Standish by serving in the Maine House of Representatives and the Maine Senate. Bill's commitment to civil discourse, collaboration, and reaching across the aisle made him a popular and trusted leader.
Bill and Beverly built a life together full of love, laughter, family, friendships, duty, and service. Bill took great pride in the home they shared and most enjoyed gardening, puttering around, and just stilling on the back deck overlooking the yard and surrounding woods. Bill loved travel, leisure, and sports of all kinds. He, with his wife Beverly, were regulars at all their kids' and grandkids' games and events. Almost nothing gave Bill more joy than sitting in the stands with Beverly, cheering and supporting their family members.
Bill and Beverly's passion for travel took them all over the world. They created treasured memories from Boothbay Harbor Maine to Burlington Vermont, Kansas City Missouri to Las Vegan Nevada, Alaska to Italy, Hawaii to Germany, and many places in between. Planning trips and anticipating new adventures was a never-ending hobby that kept a smile on their faces, a song in their hearts and adventure in their souls.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers John, Richard, Robert, James, and Philip. Surviving in addition to his wife Beverly (Irish) are his daughter Beth O'Gara and husband Brian Poitras, of Westbrook; son Michael O'Gara, of Westbrook; and grand-children Alexander Otis, Tanner Otis and wife Michaela (Caizzi).
Bill welcomed everyone with an open heart and open arms, and always a warm smile. Known by many and loved by all, he was a man whose kindness and compassion touched every corner of his life in his professional, public service and personal worlds. He will be deeply missed, but his impact and legacy will never be forgotten.
The family thanks Maine Bureau of Veteran Services, Northern Lights Hospice of Southern Maine, and the Birchwoods at Canco Woods for the compassion, care, and comfort they provided to Bill.
Visiting hours will be held at Dolby, Blais and Segee in Westbrook Sunday November 10, 2024 from 3:30-6:00pm following a private family service.
Those who wish may make donations in Bill's name to the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough.