David Michael O'Hara

July 6th, 1935 – September 1st, 2015

David M. O’Hara, of Orleans, MA, passed unexpectedly on September 1, 2015 at the age of 80. Son of Daniel Francis O’Hara Sr. and Mary Veronica O’Hara, David was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and spent his summers in Breezy Point, NY. David attended parochial schools and graduated from St. Michael’s DHS in 1953. David attended Saint Bonaventure University in NY from which he graduated in 1957 Cum Laude with a BA degree in Philosophy, much to the relief of the Monsignor. David then attended Harvard Law School; however he decided that studying the law was not his calling.

David spent many hours on the beach and in the water, working his way up from Lifeguard to Manager at the Silver Gull and Breezy Point Beach Clubs in Breezy Point, NY. David’s wanderlust, love for adventure, and general misanthropic disposition inspired him to take positions in management and sales in Denali National Park, Alaska, Chicago, and California. He was a passionate environmentalist and naturalist and was truly moved by the power and vastness of nature.

David returned to New York to be closer to his family, smog, and his bride to be: Clare H. Terhune, also of Brooklyn, NY. David said his life truly changed when he met his bride Clare. After a long courtship and a promise of adventure the two were married on February 21, 1970. David settled into a career as a bond broker in Manhattan, working for Cowen & Co. and Mabon Nugent & Co. While working in finance, David took positions in San Francisco, Manhattan, and finally in London where he opened the UK branch of MKI Securities and turned it into a successful venture. He and his family lived in London for several years while spending their summers in Chatham, MA and traveling. David and Clare made Cape Cod their permanent residence when David retired. David loved his family dearly and was devoted to his wife of 41 years. David was devastated by Clare’s passing in 2011.

David is known and remembered for his love of laughter, travel, adventure, lively discourse, Literature, Latin, Philosophy, sports cars, excess, the great outdoors, his acerbic sense of humor, political rants, hatred of Boston sports teams, general curmudgeonous, and overall command presence. Above all, David was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. His absence will be truly felt by all who knew and loved him.

David is survived by his loving daughters Rachel O’Hara of Brewster and Katie O’Hara of Barnstable; his siblings Patricia Paul Cyril of Brooklyn, NY, Daniel F. O’Hara Jr. of Bluffton, SC, and Paul J. O’Hara of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM on September 13th at Saint Christopher’s Church in Chatham, MA. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, at the family’s request, please make a donation in David’s name to the Sierra Club Foundation at www.sierraclubfoundation.org.

For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.