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Father John Michael O'Hara

John O'Hara Obituary

O'HARA Father John Michael O'Hara, parochial vicar of Holy Family Catholic Church in Jacksonville, died suddenly, Tuesday, Oct. 30. He was 64. The son of the late Edward O'Hara and Isabel McGowan, Father O'Hara was born on Oct. 29, 1943 in Norristown, Pa. He was one of five children. He graduated from Bishop Kendrick High School in Norristown, Pa. in 1961 and later attended St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami for two years and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla. where he completed his seminary studies. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 15, 1976 by the late Colman F. Carroll, archbishop of Miami. Father O'Hara served in the United States Army and more recently as a chaplain for the United States Air Force. His family said he knew early in life he wanted to become a Catholic priest and he followed his dream. His siblings recall Father John pretending to be a priest as a child, often celebrating his own Mass at home. His family is ever proud of Father John and all that he has accomplished. Father John served in many parishes, including: Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Ft. Pierce, Fla. (1976-1978), St. Brendan, Miami (1978-1980), Chaplain for the U.S. Air Force (1980-1986), St. Timothy, Miami (1986-1988), St. Mark, Ft. Lauderdale (1988-1990) and St. Bridget, Minneapolis, Minn. (2000-2001). Father John has served at Holy Family Catholic Church in Jacksonville since March 2001. While the family is shocked and saddened by Father John's sudden death, “we take solace in the knowledge that Father John is where he has always aspired to be - with God, our Father. Father John will live forever in our hearts,” reflects his family. Father John's true family extended well beyond that of his genetic relations in that he welcomed all to the church and into the Catholic family. He is survived by his mother Isabel of Jupiter, Fla., his sisters Mary Jane Walters of West Chester, Pa., Kathleen O'Hara of Springfield, Va., his brothers Edward of Palm Beach, Fla., Dennis of Collegeville, Pa., many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. A viewing has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10-11 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9800 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville. A reception will follow immediately after Mass in the church hall with a graveside ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. at San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery in St. Augustine, Fla. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Father John's name to Holy Family Catholic School's scholarship fund, 9800-3 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Phone: (904) 645-9875. Arrangements by HARDAGE- GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME MANDARIN CHAPEL. (904)288-0025 Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union on Nov. 2, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John O'Hara

47 Entries

Pr. Gary R. Garvey

March 20, 2025

Father John was my friend as a beginning Chaplain at Luke AFB AZ 1982? I missed him and been looking for him for quite some time. RIP John

K. Kelly

November 25, 2007

I had the privilege of knowing Father John while he was at Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis. He helped to guide me through some of the most difficult times in my life. I learned lessons of God's love and forgiveness from him that I will never forget. His homilies each week spoke to my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. I am grateful for the influence that Father John and his work had upon my life.

Cathy Saraco

November 21, 2007

Words cannot express the sadness we feel at the death of Father John. We considered him a member of our family and he will always be in our hearts and prayers. Deepest sympathy to Isabel and family.

Cynthia Edwards

November 20, 2007

Father John I miss you so much only words can tell, but I know in my heart God wanted you to be with him.
I am glad that I was given the opportunity to know you, to listen to your homilies, and if I may so prepare some of your favourite foods. You were very frank and down to earth, that is what I admired most about you. May God truly bless your family and give them strength to accept their loss.

Linda Young-Graham

November 16, 2007

My deepest sympathy is extended to Father John's family. He was such a blessing to us at Holy Family. He provided me such hope and comfort at the worst time of my life. Through his spirtual dedication, he allowed me to begin turning my own grief to gratitude. For this gift, I will be forever thankful. I enjoyed his homilies so much. He had a rare gift to turn the word of God to daily living and understanding. Father John, thank you for everything you gave me. P.S. Give my mother a hug for me...

Linda Young-Graham

November 15, 2007

I had the opportunity to get to know Father John at the worst time of my life. He paved the way for me to see hope and gratitude in the midst of sadness and loss. I will be forever grateful for his kindness and friendship during our recent friendship. My deepest sympathy to his family. I will truly miss his wonderful homilies and his joyous presence. P.S. Give my mother a hug for me......

David,Michelle, & Chad Kersch

November 10, 2007

My wife and I, my son and his non-catholic girlfriend so enjoyed Father John's homilies. We looked forward to them each Sunday. What a loving family John must have come from! We will miss him so much. He always spoke how much each one of us was to take God's word and communion from mass and take God's love to our community. John, we will do that, and we will look forward to our joyous reunion in heaven.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, amen. Vaya con Dios, our brother.

Matthew Barker

November 9, 2007

For the short time I that I knew Father here in Jacksonville, his homilies at daily Mass this past summer touched me as if I'd known him much longer. He was one of those priests you'd look at and say, 'Yeah, that's why young men should consider the priesthood'. Intercede for us and the whole church at the side of Jesus, Fr. John.

Karen Arrigo

November 8, 2007

I am heartsick at the loss of this wonderful, inspirational man. His homilies truly touched my heart, my mind and my soul. He strengthened my faith, and I will be forever grateful for the many Saturday evenings that we had the privilege of listening to him as visitors to Holy Family. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Frank O'Loughlin, G.Maya Center,

November 5, 2007

Thank God for the grace he incarnated in the work of Father John.
My condolences to his family.
"We know that we have passed from death to life because of the love we have for our sisters and brothers."

Michael M

November 5, 2007

So sad that I won't be able to come back for the holidays to hear him say mass again. His sermons were always something to look forward to -- I always learned something as he made the word of the Gospel relevant to us today. My condolences to his family and to the Holy Family parish community. And thank you, Fr. John, for everything.

Beth O'Hara Abbott

November 5, 2007

To Aunt Isabel, Kathleen, Mary Jane, Ed & Denny,
I was deeply saddened to hear about John. Although it has been awhile since we have been in touch I think of you all. I know Jim & Bonnie are delighted to have the company! You are in my prayers, love Beth

Ashleigh Ketchman

November 5, 2007

Father John will be greatly missed at Holy Family Catholic Church. Each week, I looked forward to hearing his homilies. I knew that his words would be an inspiration to myself and others. I'm thankful for his military service, and I'm proud that he was part of my church. I have faith that he is where he always wanted to be, and that brings comfort. His close friends and family are in my prayers...

Tony

November 5, 2007

I was only able to see Father John a few times at Mass but his homily was always one to look forward to. He didn't mess around and he always got his point across. We loved that. He will truly be missed.

Chad Blake

November 4, 2007

Fr. O'Hara used to fill in at Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis. He was a wonderful priest. I will always remember him as the priest who baptized my wife into the Church. We were blessed to have known him.

Ben and Beth Demaline

November 4, 2007

Father John was truley an instrument of peace. We have learned so much from his example and message.

Terri Ferlisi

November 4, 2007

Father John's sermons always seemed so personal to me, although I'm sure others thought the same. Nearly every message stuck with me for days and would help me with my own personal, spiritual reflection. I've laughed so many times at his stories about growing up in Pennsylvania and about his Catholic school experiences. I listened raptly when he described the interesting members of his family, all of whom he clearly respected and loved. Once, I even asked him for a copy of a sermon because I wanted to share it with my sons who no longer live in Jacksonville. Missing him seems so selfish, but he has left a huge void! I extend my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his family and friends.

Virginia Withers

November 4, 2007

Father John came to Holy Family in the Spring that I was baptized into the Catholic faith, and he just seemed to be a part of my journey into this beautiful family, our Church. As a member of Poverello, I had grown accustomed to seeing his face and hearing his talks almost every Tuesday. It will be very difficult to adjust to his absence...however, what a gift God has given us in the short time that we had with him. I will never forget those sparkling blue eyes. At our meetings, he would step in at the appropriate time, start talking (with the most profound words), and then say "All right, I'll shut up now..." I never wanted him to stop talking. Father, you were a beautiful human being, and a man of God...when I see you again, I will be able to listen to you talk for a long time. It will be a long wait...Love, Virginia

Denise A. M. Edwards

November 4, 2007

I miss him already. I am so saddened by such a great loss. I am happy that I got to know him a bit better than some via Poverello, but wish that we had more time to know him more and appreciate him more. He was so gifted, spiritual, passionate and matter of fact. He was our "fire and brimstone" priest at Holy Family Catholic Church. I take comfort in knowing that he is in the best place possible, in the arms of our Lord, where we all aspire to be. His journey here is over and his rewards for his journey great. My condolences to his family and I share in your sorrow and joy at his passing.
Love,

Kathleen DeMark

November 3, 2007

My prayers and condolences to the family of Father O'Hara. He moderated a bereavement group at Holy Family and these meetings greatly helped me with the loss of my husband and son. I will miss him for his insight, understanding, and compassion shown to all in the group. He was a true inspiration to the bereavement group.
God bless you, Father John.

Robert, Julie, & Amanda Zaiden

November 3, 2007

We will miss your 'down-to-earth' sermons and approachable easy-going nature Father O'Hara. I still smile when I remember how you called our little girl (who you baptized 1 month ago) a "little rosebud" as we walked out to greet you after mass last Saturday. Thank you for touching our lives...

Joe & Leighann Johnigean

November 3, 2007

To the family of Father John O'Hara~
Take with you the wonderful memories of Father John that will bring you sunshine after this rain.
He was wonderful and so loved at Holy Family.
Our deepest and sincere sympathy.
Joe & Leighann Johnigean & family

Darren, Lorie and Emmalee Peterson

November 3, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Bernie Dietzel

November 3, 2007

What a great, down to earth and spiritual person who I will truly miss. I am truly blessed for knowing him.

Marie Cobb

November 3, 2007

We have lost a special priest and a wonderful human being in the passing of Father John. I can't begin to express how much I will miss him. Not a day goes by that I don't call to mind something that he expressed in one of his homilies. His words of wisdom always came close to home. I feel blessed to have known Father John and he will always hold a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers go out to his family. God bless you all.

Terry McCook, SFO

November 3, 2007

Fr. John was a brief but indelible moment in my life. I am a traveler to Jacksonville and try to attend daily Mass at Holy Family. Initially, I was impressed with the deep spirituality which underlie Fr. John's homilies, so much so that I sought him out for Spiritual Counseling. We only had two sessions, but we shared two lifetimes together. As a Secular Franciscan, I discovered why Fr. John's preaching and conseling were so compelling for me. He also had a background in Franciscana as a TOR, and he had experienced and internalized much of the depth and richness of this blessed charism in the Church. Most importantly, he was very willing to share this great gift a grace with everyone he met. Pace et bene, dear brother!

Father James O'Neal

November 3, 2007

John:
What a joy it was for me when you came to the Diocese of St. Augustine and Holy Family parish! It was wonderful to see you again after so many years. You helped us out at St. Juliana's, West Palm Beach, Fla., with the CCD Program which I taught in. I remember when you were ordained. Thank you for your service both to the Army before you were ordained and to the Air Forces after ordination. You were always where God needed you to be;you generously responded. May the Lord welcome you to Paradise and comfort us who mourn! God bless you and yours!
Fraternally,
Fr. Jim O'Neal
US Army Catholic Chaplain
USAG Humphreys
Pyeongtaek,
Korea

Mark Varljen

November 3, 2007

I will miss this wonderful man. He inspired me like few other Priest have. Every single homily, be it at Sunday or weekday mass, inspired me to be a better person. To live life more fully and to press forward in my faith. I thank God for his playing a part of my life. May God bless his family and may they know they are in our prayers.

Julie Becker

November 2, 2007

Our hearts are saddened with the passing of Fr. John. He was the reason we joined Holy Family parish. We enjoyed his sermons so much. He was a great preacher and story teller. We will miss him very, very much.

Our deepest sympathy to his family.

Mike, Julie & Jack Becker Jacksonville, FL

Father Vincent Sheehy

November 2, 2007

I knew Father John when he was at St. Brendan Church in Miami. He assisted me when I was Director of Catholic Cemeteries in the Archdiocese of Miami. Father John was Associate Director at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery in Miami.He was a dedicated priest who loved people
and enjoyed his ministry.We will remember him at Mass and in our Prayers.Peace in Christ Father John.
Father Vince Sheehy
Our Lady of Lourdes
Venice, Florida

David and Doreen Costa

November 2, 2007

We want to add our gratitude to the message we have read here. Fr. John was a friend and a mentor. His compassion and kindness brought us back to the Catholic Church. His teaching has given hope to so many. We pray for his family and friends and give thanks to God for the ministry of a great man and a great priest.

Gary Weirich

November 2, 2007

Father John - Poverello's spiritual director, teacher, and dear friend has joined our Lord. Over the years, he has taught me how to love my neighbor, drawn me closer to Christ and the Father, and taught me how to live the Gospel in my everyday life. He has set me on a lifelong journey to grow closer to God and to serve God in all of my interactions with others. The ways Father John has enriched my life are too numerous to list. I am eternally grateful that I am able to say he was a friend of mine.

He brought Poverello together and it is ours to carry on and continue the mission he began. We are a family and are sad that a family member is gone. Because of our faith, we are jubilant that he is with the Lord. Our hope is that we will all be together some day.

Mary Lou Corbiere

November 2, 2007

My sincere condolences to your family and all those who grew to love you in the parishes you served. I've often remembered your gifted homilies at St. Mark Parish in Southwest Ranches, FL.

Daniel and Jacqueline Brown

November 2, 2007

Father John performed our wedding ceremony at Holy Family before we moved away from Jacksonville. His guidance and teaching during our wedding preparations helped lay the foundation for our marriage. We were looking forward to attending his masses when we move back to town. We will miss him. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family.

One of Johnny's Fav. Pics of me

Nicholas Contrevo

November 2, 2007

John, where do I start my friend..I am torn by your passing, but also know you are where you always wanted to be. You may never know fully what you meant to me or what you have done for me and my life. You were one of my best friends who made the biggest impact. I thank you for all you have done for me and others, I thank you for every minute we had. I wish I could have said so much more..Truely one of a kind man and it hurts to know I cant talk to you anymore. I love you bud and am always with you as I know you are with me. As you always say to me everyday, ciao baby.

Tom and Liz Matiacio

November 2, 2007

Father John's homilies were so memorable that I held on to every word to make sure I wouldn't miss the surprise, humor or wisdom that came next. He told us regularly we don't own the air we breathe. He certainly has shown us all that with his passing. He could be compassionate when appropriate, but he would expect us to be strong when that was appropriate. He obviously had work to do elsewhere, so we struggle with the void he leaves behind. To his family, our prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing Father John with us.

Stacy McCoy

November 2, 2007

He was an inspiring man and will be greatly missed.

Maria Rosa Pabon

November 2, 2007

My condolences to the family of uor beloved Fr. John. We will greatedly miss his wonderful homolies, rightiousness and dedication to our faith. I am sure he is enjoying the company of our Lord. May all of you be bless with peace in this time of sorrow.

Linda and Brad Huntley

November 2, 2007

Father John will be truly missed at Holy Family.

Diane Gay

November 2, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. Father O'Hara was a phenomenal priest and was an inspiration to those whos lives he touched. He will be missed at Holy Family Catholic Church.

joan and lenny augustine

November 2, 2007

So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

November 2, 2007

We had the gift of listening to Father John’s sermons for many years; he will be deeply missed by all parishioners. His deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ was evident when he spoke about Him. We will miss his profound messages, but take comfort in knowing that he is in heaven rejoicing with our Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Sincerely,
The Williams Family
(Tom, Eleonora, Josh & Justin)

Jennifer Tamol

November 2, 2007

I never got to know Father John personally but I always felt close to him, and it was his preachings that brought me back to the Catholic Church. I am sad that now I'll never HAVE the chance to get to know him but I am happy that he touched my life.

Carol Cattell

November 2, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Judy and Kevin Hession

November 2, 2007

Father John will be greatly missed by the Holy Family parishioners. Our condolences to his family.

Vincent Hale

November 2, 2007

Father John performed the marriage ceremony for us shortly after he arrived at Holy Family in 2001, and he baptized our first born in 2002. He will always hold a significant place in our family's history. We will remember him fondly as someone who took charge of the situation, and someone who was passionate about his faith. It was impossible to lose focus during his sermons, because he would grab your attention from the beginning and never let go. When hearing Confession he didn't just offer absolution, he offered suggestions on how to become a better Catholic and a better person. He was tough, but always friendly and comforting. Holy Family will never seem the same without him. He will be missed greatly.

Very Reverend Anthony M. Criscitelli, TOR

November 2, 2007

On behalf of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Immaculate Conception, we express our deep sympathy at the death of John. As you know, he was, for a time, trying his vocation as a member of our Franciscan community. As was his wont, he made many friends within and through community during the brief time he spent with us. Although he did not complete his novitiate and profess vows with us, he continued to remain a brother and a friend for the rest of his life. May God grant him eternal rest and may he know the light and peace of the place that has been prepared for him by the one whose priesthood he shared.

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