Edward G. O'Haire

1931 - 2022

O'Haire, Edward G. WATERVLIET Edward G. O'Haire, 90, returned home to God peacefully on May 25, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones. Born in the family home in Watervliet on May 27, 1931, he was the only child of Regina A. and Edward L. O'Haire. Ed graduated from St. Patrick's Grammar School where he was taught by the Sisters of Mercy, instructing him not only in the rudiments of his education but also in the fundamentals of his faith, including how to serve the Mass in Latin. Upon graduation, Ed went on to LaSalle Institute and began his lifelong affiliation with the Christian Brothers. He was Salutatorian of his graduating class and a three year Varsity athlete in football, basketball and baseball. With assistance from the Brothers in Troy, he was given a scholarship to Manhattan College, where he continued his education and sports career, graduating in 1953. Throughout his life, Ed had tremendous and abiding loyalty and affection for both LaSalle and Manhattan, maintaining many friendships with both The Brothers and his classmates from both institutions. Following graduation, he taught for four years at Christian Brothers Academy, and served as coach of the basketball and baseball teams. In 1957, he went into the insurance business in Troy with the late John E. Ryan and formed the Ryan & O'Haire Insurance Agency. Jack and Ed's partnership spanned more than three decades of service to their clients, and they built both their business and friendship on their mutual respect and admiration for each other. Ed would later be joined in business by his son, Anthony, serving as vice president. Ed was an accomplished and renowned public speaker and toastmaster. He assumed the mantle of Troy's "Toastmaster General" from his late father-in-law, John J. "Jack" Tower. Ed always gave generously of his time and talents to area organizations and charities to serve as master of ceremonies at countless events. His keen Irish humor and turn of phrase were equally matched by his deft delivery. Ed was truly a man in his element when at the podium, holding the room in his hand and delighting his audience. During his long career in insurance, Ed served on the faculty at Hudson Valley Community College as an adjunct professor of insurance for several years. Ed was also active in many business and charitable organizations. Among these were LaSalle Institute, the Evangelist, Samaritan Hospital and Samaritan Child Care Center, Troy Savings Bank, Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation and Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Foundation. Ed also served on the board of Living Resources Foundation, receiving the Bishop Howard J. Hubbard Award in 2003 for advocacy and commitment to people with disabilities. In 2001, he was honored to receive the Monsignor Burns Award from Catholic Central High School. Ed had met the love of his life, Estelle "Chic" Tower during his years at Manhattan College and while Chic was attending the College of Good Counsel. Their courtship began in New York City and it continued back in Troy until their marriage on January 11, 1958. Together, they would build a long life in Troy and a family of four children, Kevin, Anthony, Maureen and Kate. The cornerstone of Ed's early life was his deep faith, and it became the foundation for his life as it grew to include his beloved family and the many wonderful friendships that blessed his and Chic's life. Ed loved to attend Mass to begin his day by devoting time to his God, feed his spirit, and focus on what he cherished most in life. After Mass, Ed loved sharing breakfast and many laughs with his "breakfast boys" at various downtown eateries, a group that evolved but abided over decades. Most of Ed's leisure activities involved being with others, as the people he was with mattered far more than any activity. He relished time with his weekly golf foursome at the Troy Country Club where he was a member for many years. Following his round of golf, he would hold court in the 19th Hole with his pals, attempting to outdo each other in knowledge of trivia. He and Chic enjoyed traveling with family and friends on several trips to Ireland, Europe, New York, and Cape Cod each summer. Throughout his life, Ed possessed a curiosity of mind and was continually edified by his love of language, history, spirituality and philosophy. He loved doing his daily crossword puzzles from both the New York Times and the Post, and rarely needed any help. He was truly an athlete and a scholar in equal measure. Ed fell in love with music during his years at Manhattan, having the opportunity to attend many of the great Broadway shows of his era. Music became a cherished and enduring part of life to Ed, a love that he shared with Chic and his children. Ed was a pancreatic cancer survivor and was blessed with eighteen years following his diagnosis, surgery and treatment in 2004. He handled this illness with his characteristic strength, born of his devout faith, optimism, gratitude and his happy, humble nature. In the last ten years, sadly Ed suffered from the challenges of Alzheimer's, but he coped with this illness with similar strength, acceptance and grace. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all his doctors for all the fine medical care that Ed received over the years, and to the wonderful aides who helped care for him at home in more recent years, and up to the final hours of his life. Towards the end of his life, Ed was blessed by the presence and friendship of the Sisters of St. Joseph. We are ever grateful to all of you for your expertise, beautiful devotion and care. Ed is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Chic; their children, Kevin O'Haire, Anthony O'Haire, Maureen (Thomas) Reilly, and Kate (David) Cary; nine grandchildren, Meghan (Daniel) Barrett, Caitlin O'Haire, Kathryn Reilly, Marykate (Joseph) Mattiello, Brendan (Molly) Cary, Patrick Cary, James O'Haire, Kieran O'Haire, Emma O'Haire; and one great-grandchild, Maeve Barrett. Ed was predeceased by his dear brother-in-law, John A. Tower. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ed's family on Wednesday, June 1, from 4-7 p.m. in the Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 2, at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 No. Lake Ave., Troy. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Peter's Cemetery, 209 Oakwood Avenue, Troy. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Ed's memory may make a donation to LaSalle Institute or the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.