OBITUARY
John S. O'Hara
September 28, 1918 – March 15, 2014
John Stephen O’Hara, 95, passed away March 15 in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born September 28, 1918, in a farmhouse in Goodels, Michigan. One year later he moved to Florida with his parents in a Model T Ford and grew up in New Port Richey, Florida, where he graduated from Gulf High School. John graduated from the University of Florida in 1946 after three years of military service in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
John dedicated his professional career to the State of Florida as an economist and statistician, beginning with the Florida Industrial Commission in 1946 until his retirement in 1982. He served as Chief of the Bureau of Research and Analysis for the Department of Labor and Employment Security in the last twelve years of his career.
John and his wife, Ann, loved camping, hiking and canoeing with their nine children. Their travels and adventures continued long after John’s retirement, all over the U.S., Central and South America, and Europe. They were charter members of the Good Sam of Tallahassee camping club and spent many years square dancing with the Tallahassee Twirlers.
John was active in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus for many years and served as Grand Knight of Father Hugon Council for two years.
John is survived by his wife, Ann Rhoads O’Hara, and their nine children: John Stephen O’Hara, Jr. (Jeri) of Jacksonville, FL; Janis Spitzer (Phil) of Tallahassee; Vicky O’Hara (Gerry Meyerman) of Ridge, Maryland; and Debbie Grant (Kevin); David Bruce O’Hara (Kathy); Ellen O’Hara; Suzanne Hancock (Manuel Villegas); Cathy Kendall (Roby); and Rebecca O’Hara (Ron Greenstein), all of Tallahassee. John is further survived by his 19 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and scores of in-laws, outlaws, and hangers-on (the door was always open). Dad was the only statistician in the family, so with him gone we cannot be held to accuracy.
Arrangements under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Visitation Thursday, March 20, 2014
- Mass Of The Resurrection Friday, March 21, 2014
- Reception Friday, March 21, 2014
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Interment
REMEMBERING
John S. O'Hara
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RECEIVE UPDATESClaudia Meyerman
April 6, 2014
My thoughts and love are with you all. John was such an amazing and engaging person, and with you Ann, raised an incredible family. I also can't thank you both enough for bringing our Vicky into the world as she has brought so much happiness to all of our lives, especially my Dad's. I'll never forget the Thanksgiving we shared at the beach and hope to give you a hug in person Ann, one day soon. Take Care. Love, Claudia
Janet Rankin
March 24, 2014
My deepest condolences to John's family. John is a legend in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics -- he was the go to State Director in the 1970's when we needed State opinions on expanding the Federal statistical system. He represented the State of Florida well and made major contributions as a National Federal/State Cooperative Statistical system was formed.
March 20, 2014
To Ann and family,
Our prayers and condolences go out to you. John was truley akind and generous man. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Karen, Brittany and JJ Erickson
Norm and Carol Wachal
March 19, 2014
Our love and prayers are with you.
Alan and Babs Dial
March 19, 2014
The door was always open indeed. Mr. O'Hara was a good man in every way. To Ms Ann and family please accept our deepest condolences and most fervent prayers.
Carlos Fernandez
March 18, 2014
Ann,
Our condolences on your loss.
Carlos Fernandez and Jimmy Martin
Diane Arnold
March 18, 2014
Janis - Our sympathies and thoughts are with you~ Diane Arnold & LEAP Group Class
Leigh Edwards
March 18, 2014
Dear Becky,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was such a sweet, kind-hearted person. I'm sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Steve Kujawa
March 18, 2014
Years ago, John and I put together a K of C / Blessed Sacrament Choir Dinner and Sing-along back in the 1980's. The turnout was great for the 5 p.m. Mass, the dinner, and the sing-along afterwards. John knew how to be a blessing to others and, in the process, a great Christian man. God's peace and consolation to Ann and all the family. I will remember him at Mass and in my daily prayers.
LaNita Cutts
March 18, 2014
My prayers are with you, Monica and Alex Cutts, as well as the rest of the family. His love and legacy will continue thru you to be shared with future generations. All my love and prayers, Mama Cutts
Millie (Gibson) Schroeder
March 18, 2014
What a wonderful legacy he leaves! My prayers are with you all during this time. Cherish your memories!
carolyn brinson
March 18, 2014
He was a very special friend. He always treated me like another daughter at the holiday get togethers. God bless all of you in the coming days . You are a very special family ... Carolyn Bri.son
James Geuin
March 17, 2014
A great Knight and a fine mentor . . . Sir Knight, rest your sword!
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF