1933-2020
John Philip O’Hara, known as Phil, passed away Sunday evening, October 18, at the age of 87, in Brooklyn, Connecticut, with his children at his side. Born May 17, 1933, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Mr. O’Hara was a graduate of the New Hampton School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at Brown University in 1957 after spending two years serving in the U.S. Army in Korea.
Mr. O’Hara and his wife of 25 years, Patricia, recently moved from Providence, Rhode Island, to the Quiet Corner of northeastern Connecticut. Their continued support of Brown’s musical, theatrical and sports programs were vital to the life Phil and Patricia built in Providence. They were both engaged and active throughout the New England they call home.
Phil retired at the age of 77 as the Director of Student Activities at Brown University. He was a founder of the Brown University Mediation Project and devoted himself to the use of mediation in the Brown and larger Providence communities. Mr. O’Hara was responsible for overseeing the renovation of Faunce House, as well as transforming how the office worked with the student organizations of Brown. Phil loved the students he mentored and the faculty he inspired with his work ethic, as well as his commitment to Brown University.
The younger brother of one of the “New York Poets”, Frank O’Hara, Phil O’Hara was keenly interested in the artwork and exhibitions dedicated to his brother, as well as the Worcester County Poetry Association’s annual Frank O’Hara Prize awarded to Worcester County residents for their original poetry.
Mr. O’Hara spent his life in service to other people which included affiliations with Chicago Youth Centers, the Oak Park, Illinois District 97 Board of Education, as well as the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 16. He loved to travel – especially with his children or to visit his children – Alaska, the Boundary Waters, Illinois, Idaho, and California.
Phil maintained a lifetime relationship with the New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, having attended the school in his teens. He served on the Board and served as Chair. More recently, Mr. O’Hara was involved in the search for a new headmaster. The O’Hara Family recently founded the Faculty Prize in English.
Mr. O’Hara was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Broderick O’Hara and Russell J. O’Hara, his brother, Frank O’Hara, and his daughter, Alison O’Hara Barasa. He is survived by his wife Patricia; his sister, Maureen; and his children, Keith (Dena), Julie, and John (Amy), his two stepsons, Michael and Will Weatherly, as well as his 17 grandchildren and 4 great-granddaughters. Mr. O’Hara will be fondly remembered by his cousin, Jane O’Hara Page and her family, as well as many nephews and nieces.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam, CT. 06260. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic private services will be held on October 22, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the New Hampton School, 70 Main Street, New Hampton, New Hampshire 03256.
To view John’s Mass of Christian burial please click on the following link https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1098269
Susan DeWitt
Phil loomed so large in the DeWitt family. He was the best friend (lifelong) that my dad could have asked for. I loved him dearly, and was forever grateful for the warmth and caring that he extended to all of us. I mourn his death with you, but know that the best parts of Phil live on in Keith, Julie, John, their children, Alison’s children, and the great grandchildren. My deepest condolences to Pat, Keith and family, Julie and family, John and family, and Maureen. Much love, Susan DeWitt
Sr. Helena Burns
Dear Pat & family,
We grieve with you, but most of all we celebrate a life very well lived!
Phil was such a delight. Always looking out for others, always offering to be of service. He was a genuine gem!
I am so glad you had so many wonderful years together and that I got to meet him, even if it was sporadically.
God love you! You are in our prayers.
Sr. Helena & Ma xoxoxoxo
Ailton Barbosa
Dear Pat and Family,
Mr. Phil was truly a man made in different times; truly patriot and a man full of honesty, knowledge and respect.
For the last 25 years my family and I were was bless to have his support, mentorship and care.
Please except our deepest condolences at this time.
We will miss him.
May He Rest In Peace.
Marise fortes
My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss Phil was a good friend for me and my family he will be in our hearts and memories forever. Wishing you strength and peace during this hard time
Dylan Grosvenor O'Hara
Though we cannot be there in person to celebrate the life of our grandfather, J. Phillip O’Hara, his grandchildren near and far remember and honor him always. It is very special to us, during these pandemic times, that we were still able to honor our Papa and partake in the celebration of his life virtually.
We Love you very much, Papa.
xoxo
Dylan, KC, and Duun O’Hara
Helen Raftery
For Keith and his extraordinary family-
“Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Norma Jean Loftus
Keith and family- I am so sorry for your loss. May your fondest of memories of Phil comfort you always.
Patrick and Madeline McMenamin
Our heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family.
With our love,
Pat and Madeline McMenamin
Susan
Oh my greatest part of my job is meeting people like you it was great pleasure that I got to meet you I enjoyed my morning chats with you rest in peace my friend❤️Sue Orr
Tammy Benoit
To Phil’s family I want to offer my thoughts and prayers. I had gotten to know Phil a little when he was a patient at Westview. He seem like a very kind person always very appreciated everything you did for him. May he rest in peace.
Earle Macgillivray
It is with great sadness I heard of Phils passing.He was a close friend at New Hampton. I remember playing on the hockey team with him. We had many fun times with him Our prayers go out to his family,he will be missed.