Paul O'Hora

Paul J. “Colonel” O’Hora, 77, of West Scranton, died Friday evening at Allied Skilled Nursing Center.
Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Frank and Viola Kraft O’Hora. He was educated in Scranton schools and was a 1948 graduate of West Scranton High School. Paul dedicated his life as an active volunteer and advocate for those with disabilities after an accident in 1954 resulted in quadriplegia.
A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, Paul was a volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Plains Township, Pa., for more than 45 years and a longtime member of the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association. He received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Merit Award and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding service to veterans. He was a volunteer for many years with the American Red Cross and a longtime member of the Scranton Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities. Paul’s other roles included past president of the board of directors of the Deutsch Institute, founder of the Deutsch Up and Down Bowling League and past president of Operation Overcome of Lackawanna County. An avid bowler before becoming disabled, Paul continued his interest in the sport by inventing “the stick,” which is the original wheelchair bowling stick that is on display at the National Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1965, the stick proved effective, allowing Paul to win the scratch championship at the national bowling tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Over the years, Paul has competed in many National Veteran Wheelchair Games, winning numerous medals, including gold medals in bowling, ping pong, billiards and 100- and 400-meter races. He was the first Pennsylvanian to win the American Wheelchair Bowling Association’s National Championship and be inducted into the American Wheelchair Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Paul’s accomplishments were recognized through other inductions into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Chic Feldman, Northeastern Sports Chapter and All-Hyde Park Halls of Fame. He has been enshrined in the Deutsch Institute Wall of Fame.
He was a lifelong member of Saint Patrick’s R.C. Church in West Scranton.
Paul loved his brothers James and Francis. Paul’s love of family was also evident through his years of dedication and commitment to the family business, O’Hora Eye Care, where he was known for his jovial spirit and personalized service. All who knew Paul admired him for his positive attitude, sense of humor and selfless demeanor. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the dedicated staff of Allied Skilled Nursing Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart.
Surviving are a brother, James O’Hora and wife, Rita, Scranton, Pa.; four nieces, Dr. Marie Sokol, Old Forge; Rita Price, Marlton, N.J.; Eileen Leonard, Forty Fort, Pa.; and Maureen Walsh, PhD., Old Forge, Pa.; three nephews, James O’Hora, Enola, Pa.; Joseph O’Hora and Paul O’Hora, both of Scranton, Pa.; great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Francis.
The funeral will be Thursday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Saint Patrick’s R.C. Church, Jackson Street, West Scranton, to be celebrated by Msgr. David L. Tressler, pastor. Friends are asked to go directly to the church. Interment with military honors will be in Cathedral Cemetery
Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to United Spinal Association, 54 Nashua Street, Milford, NH 03055-3717. To send an online condolence, visit www.cgdfuneralhome.com .