Joseph Patrick O'Hara

Joe was born in Richmond Hill, NY to Charles and Elizabeth O’Hara. He was welcomed by two older brothers, Charles and George, and a sister, Elizabeth O’Hara Mohr all of whom predeceased Joe. He had the greatest childhood growing up in a loving family where his father was a conductor on the Long Island Railroad and his mother was the center of the home and the hostess of many. Joe loved growing up in his Richmond Hill neighborhood and often told stories of his exploits as a young, rambunctious but loyal son.

He was also loyal to his country. When at the age of 17, he lied about his age and joined the Merchant Marines. He later enlisted in the army and served his country during World War II and the Korean War. He was incredibly proud of his service to his country and even prouder when decades later his son, Matthew enlisted in the Air Force and retired 22 years later.

Once discharged, Joe followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the LIRR. He worked there in various positions for 38 years. Even prouder when his oldest son, Patrick, also joined the LIRR making them a 3 generation legacy with the railroad.

Early in the 1950’s on leave from the service Joe attended a neighborhood dance and saw across the dance floor a beautiful redhead and the rest is history. Marilyn Schroeder was the love of his life and after a couple of attempts she said ‘yes’. They were happily married for almost 63 years, moved to West Babylon and raised and loved 6 children. Marilyn passed away in February, 2016 and Joe missed her terribly.

Joe was a hardworking man who always had a second job and sometimes third job to provide for his family. He was truly a jack of all trades and was the man everyone would call when they needed something done. He was incredibly generous and worked for years at the Lady of Consolation Convent along with the nuns who lived there who he affectionately referred to as his ‘40 other wives’. Joe was committed to philanthropy and continued to share his gifts with those less fortunate. He was especially steadfast in his commitment to Children with Disabilities and Veteran’s groups.

Joe was an avid “Captain” and fisherman. Some of his greatest days were spent on the water and he instilled a love of the water in his children (but not so much his wife). They bought a second home in the Hamptons and later, with a friend and partner, a hotel and marina in Hampton Bays. He loved meeting new people and tinkering around the property but mostly he loved heading over to Molnar’s Landing for a beer and ‘fish tales’ after a day spent on the water or at the hotel. He loved his time there.

Most of all, however, Joe loved his family and in his book EVERYONE was family. He bestowed upon them wisdom, common sense, a commitment to each other and plenty of funny stories to tell for generations to come. He was blessed with terrific ‘outlaws’ as well and loved them as much as he did his own (sometimes even more). He was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and could always be good for a boastful moment about each of them. He had countless nieces and nephews and those who were as loved as if they were nieces and nephews.

In the end, Joe, died as he had lived…in his own way. In his last days he was able to get all of his children together on his beloved porch of the beach house and was generous with his ‘I Love You’s’. There was no one who didn’t know that they were deeply cherished and loved by Joe in the end. It will be one of his greatest legacies….his children hope to continue that legacy in his honor.

The Family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the charity of your choice (or Homes for Our Troops or AHRC group home 544 Sycamore, Oakdale, NY) and that you continue to do God’s work by doing your share to bring peace to this world.