John Francis O'Hara

John “Jack” O’Hara was born on September 7, 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Honore O’Hara. At the age of 95 he died peacefully, surrounded by family in his Bell Gardens home on January 31, 2023.

Jack served in the U.S. Navy as a Fireman 1st Class during World War II. When the Korean War began he enlisted in the U.S. Airforce serving as a Staff Sergeant throughout the war.

Jack met Louise Bisaillon in Glacier National Park when he stopped to help fix her car. The two married in 1960 and they had three children, Marc, Diane and Patrick. He supported his family primarily working as a surveyor for CalTrans and for private surveying companies such as Sikand Engineering.

Jack loved to learn and took classes as often as he could at various universities in the Southern California area. He was a voracious reader of nonfiction having a great interest in science, space and classic cars. He enjoyed attending lectures, classical music performances and visiting museums where he was known to spend entire days studying the exhibits.

Jack was adventurous and enjoyed being in nature. As a young man he was a frequent hiker and backpacker. As a young father he passed his love of nature to his children by frequently taking them camping and visiting National Parks. Once Jack retired he took his adventures on the road traveling into his late 80s throughout Europe and parts of Asia. He also enjoyed road trips throughout the United States and frequently discussed a two month solo trip across the country at the age of 70 which he enjoyed tremendously.

Jack is survived by his children Marc (Karen) O’Hara of Archdale, NC, Diane (Gilbert) Redsky of McKinleyville, CA and Patrick (Jennifer) O’Hara of Globe, AZ. His grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jason, Gregory, Peyton, Auston and Quinton. His great grandchildren Cyruss, Freya, Beckham, Athena, and Brooks. His sisters Betty O’Hara and Jean (Angelo) Palmer and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Special thanks to Espie Rodriguez and Yanet De Lara the caretakers who provided love and care to Jack during his final years.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Louise and his sister Patricia Mouradian. Services will be held on March 6, 2023 at the Riverside National Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life for family and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millermiesdowneymortuary.com for the O'Hara family.