Thomas P. O’Hara

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Thomas P. O’Hara, age 88, of Cranston, died on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at The Cedars in Cranston. He was the husband of Louise A. (Gillooly) O’Hara. They were married for 62 years.

Born at home in Providence, a son of the late Patrick and Ellen (O’Connell) O’Hara, he lived in Cranston for 49 years. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean War, and attended the University of Rhode Island. Mr. O’Hara was employed as a quality control analyst at the Foxboro Co. in Foxboro, MA for 17 years, retiring in 1992. He previously worked at Nicholson File Co. in the sales and advertising department. In 1979 he completed his studies at Our Lady of Providence Seminary and was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Providence. He ministered at the Eleanor Slater Hospital and the Institute of Mental Health in Cranston, and was involved with nursing home ministry. He was also an assistant to several pastors at St. William Church in Warwick. Tom was a member of the Cranston Rhode Runners, and completed three marathons and many shorter races to raise money for many, many causes. He volunteered at the Boston Marathon at the finish line for 10 years. He was a coach for CLCF in Cranston, and a manager for the Babe Ruth League.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children and their spouses of whom he was exceedingly proud: Brian P. O’Hara and his wife Karen of Scituate, Michael K. O’Hara and his wife Brendalee of Tiverton, Daniel F. O’Hara and his wife Sandra of North Attleboro, MA, and Patricia E. Brunner of Boston. He also leaves two sisters, Ann Turbitt of Lady Lake, FL and Ellen Sherman of North Scituate; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Katie, Thomas, Megan, Shannon, Kathleen and Patrick; and a great-granddaughter, Evangeline. He was the brother of the late Mary Bolton, John, Michael, James, and Leo O’Hara.

A special thank you to the caring staff at The Cedars in Cranston, RI.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 22, at 10:30 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in St. Timothy Church, 1799 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. Burial with military honors will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to McAuley Ministries, P.O. Box 73195, Providence, RI 02907 or the Little Sisters of the Poor, Development Office, 964 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02864. www.barrettandcotter.com