Patrick T. O'Hara

February 14, 2010

Mr. Patrick T. O'Hara, 65, of Forrest Street, Wilkes-Barre, was called home by our Lord just after midnight Sunday morning, February 14, 2010, in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born January 16, 1945, in Carbondale, he was a son of the late William and Thelma Bailey O'Hara, and was a 1963 graduate of the Forest City Regional High School. He received a trade certificate in carpentry from Johnson Technical Trade School in 1966. Home repairs were a love of Patrick. He had a passion for carpentry and used his skills working in that field for the Local No. 261 in Scranton. He proudly served our country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army, holding two occupational specialties for carpentry and artillery. He later enjoyed working on cars with his dear friend, Dave. Throughout the years, Patrick was also employed by Interfaith, Incorporated, Sam Chergosky & Son, A&A American Contracting and most recently with American plumbing. Patrick had a very strong faith and was a member of Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Wilkes-Barre, where he formerly served as a trustee in the 1980s. Patrick was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend to very many people who will miss him terribly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Janice Judith Courtney, who passed on June 11, 2008; by a son, Patrick Thomas Jr.; and by a sister, Lorraine Mikloiche. Surviving are his sisters, Maureen Podhyski, of Warrior Run; Faith Collum, of Forest City; brother-in-law, William Courtney and his wife, Irene, Wilkes-Barre; nieces and nephews, including Gordon Podhyski, Alicia Schooley, Stephen Mikloiche, Nicole Mikloiche, Laura Collum, Kimberly Courtney, Susan Cunningham and her husband, Michael, Rachel Courtney, Stephen Courtney and Amy Olson. "Uncle Pat" adored his great-niece and nephews, Miley Cunningham, Stephen Courtney and Connor Courtney, for they brought smiles, love and joy into his life. Patrick will also be missed by his friend, Dave Wickham and family, and by his loyal dog and companion, Midnight. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday at 10 a.m. from the John V. Morris Funeral Home, 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, followed by services at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gary John Scharrer, pastor, officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends are invited to join Pat's family for visitation and remembrances Wednesday from 6 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a prayer service Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. with Pastor Scharrer officiating. In lieu of floral tributes, memorial contributions are requested in Pat's memory to the S.P.C.A. of Luzerne County, Fox Hill Road, Plains Township, PA, 18705. To send Pat's family an online condolence or words of remembrance, please visit www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHomes.com .