Thomas O'Hara

April 14, 1930 - February 9, 2022

Thomas “Tom” N. O’Hara, age 91, passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2022. He was born on April 14, 1930 in Yonkers, New York to the late Thomas N. and Helen O’Hara. Tom lived most of his life in New York and then the past 25 years in Surfside Beach SC. He received his primary education in the Yonkers schools before in 1952 obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Alabama. Tom received his law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1955. After passing the bar, he worked for the New York court system for many years. After more than 20 years of public service with the courts, he entered private practice specializing in general litigation. He worked in different law firms over the years, then opened his own law practice until he retired. Tom’s specialty was appellate work. He was actively sought out by friends, colleagues, and many former adversaries for assistance with their appeals. He had a very good understanding of the law and was truly a lawyer’s lawyer. Tom married soon after graduating from law school and was a wonderful father to his 6 children. He loved to spend summers on the Jersey shore’s Long Beach Island or driving across the country to explore the many national parks and monuments. Tom visited all 50 states and most of the National Parks creating ever lasting memories for himself and his children. As his children got older, he loved watching them grow and succeed in their careers and in life. Tom loved spending the last 30 plus years with his lovely wife Eleanor. They worked together in his law practice and after a more than 40-year exemplary legal career, Tom retired to Surfside Beach, SC. Both he and Eleanor left the hustle bustle of New York behind at which time Tom was able to pursue his lifelong passion for golf on a year-round basis. Throughout his life, Tom loved visiting with and being surrounded by family and friends. Sitting by the pool in Surfside Beach or in the backyard on LBI, were some of his favorite ways to spend his time. Always pleasant to be around and always smiling, he was a thoughtful, kind, and compassionate man who continually looked for the good in others. Tom is survived by his loving wife Eleanor; five of his children, Tom O’Hara (Ceil), Kathy O’Hara, Ed O’Hara (Maria), Mary Ann Ditmars (Jim), Patty O’Hara; two step daughters Danielle McTamaney and Sue Hollenbaugh (Dave), 7 grandchildren: Tommy, Jimmy, Kate (O’Hara), JT and Patrick (Ditmars), Emily and Nola (Hollenbaugh); his former wife Mary Jane O’Hara (Brennan); his sisters Ollie Griffin and Ann Gordon, and many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased in 1977 by his loving daughter Nancy O’Hara. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, 11528 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Visitation 10-11am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A funeral service and burial will be held in New York or New Jersey at a later date.