Paul E. O'Hara

May 1, 1932 - February 22, 2021

UTICA – Paul E. O’Hara, 88, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, February 22, 2021. Paul was born on May 1, 1932, in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of James “Nick” A. and Pearl (Paltrowitch) O’Hara. He was a graduate of Bishop Duffy High School, Niagara Falls, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from NC State, where he also played football. On June 12, 1954, after graduating from college, Paul married Helen Richards, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. They shared 66 loving years together. He was employed with Bendix for 34 years, prior to retiring in 1991. Paul had also taught Math at Notre Dame High School and worked in the resource room for 20 years. Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He absolutely loved coaching, having coached Minor League and Babe Ruth baseball, C.Y.O. basketball for both boys and girls, and Notre Dame football. Paul was an avid golfer, a voracious reader, die-hard Giants and Red Sox fan, and a proud member of the “Steps” program at Utica College. He was the life of every party and always the first person dancing at weddings and gatherings. Paul loved Beach Haven, NJ, where he had spent precious time with his family over the past 50 years. Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Helen; children and their spouses, Susan O’Hara Sullivan, Pattie and Rich Preston, Kathie and Jim Hecox, Kellie and Tom Clark, and Dan and Meggan O’Hara; grandchildren, Claire and Laura Preston, Maureen and Austin Kiley, Bob, Mike and Bill Hecox, Olivia Clark, Emily, Sarah, Grace and Molly O’Hara. He also leaves over 50 wonderful nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Pearlie O’Hara; his in-laws, George and Elizabeth Richards, his son-in-law, Mark Sullivan; siblings and their spouses, Don and Helen O’Hara, Dorothy and Joe Downs, James O’Hara, Phil, Joan O’Hara, Roger and Kathy O’Hara and Jerry and Patty O’Hara. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Funeral services will be on Friday at 12 p.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. All COVID protocols will be followed. Those wishing to attend Mass virtually may do so using the following link - www.youtube.com/c/JoeSalernoOLOL. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Paul’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Fund or The Joseph Michael Chubbuck Foundation, Inc. at www.thejmcf.org, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients as well as advocates for those in need of information and guidance. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The O’Hara family would like to thank Dr. Thomas John, Hematology & Oncology Associates of Syracuse and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for the care and compassion shown to Paul. A proper Irish gathering will be held at a safer time. Follow link to Paul's video tribute:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/H8SFY5DTSY9SN2CZ