Obituary of James T. O'Hara

O’HARA – James T., 87, Ebensburg, died Dec. 4, 2011, at home. Born July 24, 1924, in Ebensburg, son of J. Lee and Lucy (Miller) O’Hara. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Robert and John “Jack”; sister, Margaret Layman; and former wife, Pauline. Last surviving member of his immediate family. Survived by children, Patricia (George) Smith, Ebensburg; Timothy (Susan Lauffer), Medford, N.J.; Mary Lou (Deacon Daniel) Perich, Beaverdale; Daniel, Ebensburg; Judith (Joel) Kozmac, Beaverdale; and Christine (Christopher) Dumm, Ebensburg; 15 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Jim attended Holy Name Grade School and Ebensburg Cambria High School. Jim enlisted in the Navy prior to the outbreak of World War II and served on the Submarine Tenders USS Hundley and USS Sperry, and then served on the Submarine USS Silversides, SS 236. He earned the highly prized designation, qualified in submarines. Jim made a significant contribution to the outstanding success of the highly decorated USS Silversides in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he joined his father, Lee, and brother, Bob, in founding the O’Hara Sign and Paint Supply in Ebensburg, which is still in operation by his son, Dan, on South Center Street. Jim was a founding member of the Bishop Carroll Athletic Association. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Matevish and Matevish Funeral Home, Ebensburg, where vigil wake service will be held. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Name Catholic Church, Ebensburg, the Rev. Monsignor Arnold L. Gaus. Entombment, Holy Name Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Name School Angel Fund of Bishop Carroll.