1Sg (Retired) John Patrick O'Hara

John Patrick O’Hara of Salem, Alabama, passed away July 30, 2019, at home with his wife, Tina O’Hara, by his side.  

Born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Mary J. (Walker) and James O’Hara, he was raised and educated in Lombard, Illinois, along with his four siblings.

A retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, he was a Capability Developer, Night Vision and Thermal Sights for the Department of Defense.  John retired after 20 years of military service.  He then ventured successfully into business in the private sector, becoming a small business owner and then working for TSYS.  John enjoyed his role at TSYS but received the call of duty again, only this time as a civilian contractor in 2006.  He worked as a contractor for the DOD until, upon receiving an ALS diagnosis in June 2015; he officially retired in October 2015. 

John was always very active and enjoyed biking, swimming, running, rowing, and other sports.  He loved taking the RV to Auburn to tailgate for football games.  Not afraid to get his hands dirty, John enjoyed fixing, improving, re-doing, or just tinkering in the shop.  He loved working outside and stayed busy with projects, whether his own or helping neighbors and friends with theirs.   

John is survived by his devoted and loving wife Tina O’Hara; his admiring children James O’Hara, Ryan O’Hara, and Blair Robertson; and his five grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Liz Guastella, Tom O’Hara, Mike O’Hara, Jean Waterfield; and several nieces and nephews.  

John was a supportive, committed, and loving husband, father, brother, and friend.  It was truly a pleasure, a joy, and a privilege to know him.  He was respected, valued and admired by many.  He was loved.  John made an impression on this world.   He is greatly missed.  

The memorial visitation will be held at Vance Memorial on Tuesday, August 6, from 5:00 -7:00 pm EST.  Relatives and friends are invited.  The burial is private, only immediate family, and will be Wednesday at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.  No flowers or memorial gifts please; instead if inclined, please donate in John’s name to the Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) or to Columbus Hospice (www.columbushospice.com).