My high school classmate, all 4 years in the same class section. O Hanley, Pakis, in alphabetical order.
Rest in peace John, you were a wonderful friend and classmate.

Andy Pakis

A wonderful friend from Central Office of the Chicago Board of Education - 1970. RIP

To the family of John,

I have been John's supplier of his medical supplies for years, I had been trying to contact him months but couldn't get in touch. I remember first speaking with John in 2018, I was still in college and I was 21 years old. I called him Mr. Ohanley, after our 45 minute conversation he insisted that I only call him John.

I spoke with him at least once a month, for years. Each time, we would be on the phone for at least 30 minutes. Everyone in the office was familiar with the name John Ohanley, considering he was my absolute favorite patient. 

He loved to express his love for the Lord, and he absolutely loved to talk about Craig. Quite often, he'd bring up his days of teaching and his "first love." Every single time I would call him I'd say, "John?" and he'd respond, "Oh, Kelsy!" I enjoyed talking to him, I, in fact looked forward to doing so each time his name would pop up on my list. 

I am saddened that we won't be speaking anymore, but I am so very grateful that he is at peace. Craig, Carla, and the kids; my heart is with you all. 

Kelsy Swearer, VP
Northeast Express

John the memories I have with you, uncle Craig and Aunt Carla growing up over the years. I remember the summers staying at the lake house waking up extra early to be out on the boat before sunrise. To visiting you down the road at the Acreage few houses down from Granny’s. And raiding the Reese's peanut butter cups jar. I know over the years as I got older I became more distant but at every family gathering when we did see each other it was like I just saw you yesterday. I’m so happy you got to meet Heather. 
I knew you were sick but you could have fooled everyone for how caring you still were. I know you are in a much better place now with just sunshine and blue skies. This isn’t a goodbye but more of see ya later. It was a blessing to have you in our lives for as long as we did.  
Love, Hunter

John P. O'Hanley, we ran the race in 5th grade and we both ran to win. Of course we both did win that day. You, your favorite candy bar and myself, a life time memory of the word. 
Although young and not in studies at that time, you, of course, the guide and teacher, knew the passage this would bring for us. A verse to be taught that brings learning from a devout man of the Lord to a child student that only understands now as an older student what that day brought about in our two lives. Scripture based. 
And so as the voice the word speaks first, will be last, and last will be first. 
Rest in peace, John P. O'Hanley. 
Love, admiration and blessings.

Oh John, oh John, you have gone to a far better place.
We remember the most kindest man we have ever met. The soft spoken person with an Irish “Lilt” that never said a cross word. Even when some of our residents had harsh encounters with one another, John would always say that you did not mean it and all people are kind at heart. The man went to church everyday and “twice” on Sunday. He would always carry his little bible with him. Even as he got more ill, you would never hear him complain about anything. If he was in pain, he never showed it. He was always positive in life. The glass was never half full or half empty, it was full.
One time Mary Ann saw John on the third floor balcony with his black cat “Baby." She went up to see and John said he occasionally brings “Baby” out to bask in the sunlight only for a few minutes. They talked and played with the cat. It was a sad day for John when he had to put “Baby” down. 
Just about every day you can find John in the atrium waiting for the mail delivery. He would strike up a conversation with all who passed through. He would open his mail right there and keep talking with everyone.
Also, John was a former teacher. I believe he taught school in a little town named Lake Placid, FL. Kind of ironic that this gentle, kind person would be associated with a name such as Lake Placid. We have a Lake Placid in NY, John. It is a little more chilly up here, especially in the winter.
It was very hard to see this man get more ill every time we came to Florida. But, he always greeted us as we came through the door. 
He also had a sweet tooth. When Mary Ann would make Almond Paste cookies for the holidays, she would always bring a small plate up to him. He would also ask us about our son, Adam, wanting to know how his new kidney is doing.  
When we first met ten years ago, you were destined for Heaven, now you are in Heaven, and you will be in Heaven forever and ever.

OBITUARY

John Paul O'Hanley

July 20, 1937 – October 9, 2023

Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center

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