John O'Hara

John L. O'Hara, Jr.

Passed away peacefully from heart failure on August 28, 2013 in San Francisco aged 87. Born in Oakland to John L. O'Hara, Sr., and Grace McPherson, John was the eldest of three brothers. He was a graduate of Fremont High ('44) in Oakland and of UC Berkeley. In high school, John loved baseball and was a top-notch first-baseman; however, WWII intervened and he served in the Pacific. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Barbara Campbell, at a family Christmas party - within 6 months they began a marriage that spanned 61 years. After college, John launched his nearly 40-year federal career, starting with the Social Security Administration and rising to become an Associate Regional Administrator of Medicare in San Francisco. John was a much admired and respected leader and colleague, with an understated approach, dry sense of humor, keen perception, and strong sense of fair play. Traveling extensively in the Pacific, John and Barbara acquired a special love of Hawaii and its warm aloha spirit. They were also 45-year residents of Orinda, long-time SF Opera patrons, and steadfast Oakland A's fans. John was most at home when surrounded by his family. He was a loving father, good listener, and kind teacher - he calmly and patiently coaxed his tearful grade-school daughter through "new" math. Predeceased by his devoted Barbara, John leaves behind daughter Susan O'Hara (Richard Crook); brothers Kenny and Dennis (Diana) O'Hara; two adored granddaughters, Caitlin and Fiona Crook; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and dear friends. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday October 9th at 3:00pm at St. Clement's Episcopal Church, 2837 Claremont Blvd., Berkeley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stanford University Cardiovascular Institute, the UCSF Housecalls Program, or your favorite charity.