Donald O'Hara

Donald R. O’Hara, 95, also known as Buzz, died peacefully on June 9th at Westlake Woods Assisted Living. Don was born in Erie, PA, the son of Catherine (Brindle) and Frank O’Hara.

He graduated from Strong Vincent High School, then immediately enlisted in the United States Navy until 1946.  Don married Shirley Kuhl and they were able to celebrate their 71st Wedding Anniversary in 2019.

He worked at Hammermill Paper Company which transferred to IP Paper Company for 42 years.  He was dedicated to his family and friends.  Don would have great conversations where he would detail stories of the past, but truly enjoyed learning about everyone’s successes. 

Don was preceded in death by his beloved, loving, and caring wife, Shirley (Kuhl) O’Hara and daughter, Janice Freeman. Siblings: Marie O’Hara, John and Cora O’Hara, Josephine and Ettore Chetoni, Margaret “Peg” and Elmer Benson, Edward and Lorraine O’Hara, Richard and Jean O’Hara, Timothy and Mary O’Hara, Katherine and Joseph Felix, Dorothy and Jerome  Kraut, Jane and Dan Palermo, and Thomas O’Hara.  

Donald is survived by his daughters; Kathleen O’Hara and Marilyn (Jeff) Thomas; a son, Mark O’Hara (Laura), and a son-in-law,Jack Freeman; brother-in-law Norbert Kuhl (Norma), and sister-in-law,Marie O’Hara. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He is the grandfather of Scott O’Hara, David O’Hara, Craig (Brittany) O’Hara, Steven O’Hara, Kyle O’Hara, Laura (Justin) Walter, Sean (Erin) Freeman, Michael (Rachel) Freeman, and Blake (Valerie) Schutte along with 16 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Westlake Woods for their wonderful caring of both Shirley and Don along with the Family Hospice staff who took care of Don.

Friends are invited to call at the Quinn Funeral Home, West 9^th & Liberty St. on Friday from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM and are invited to attend Prayer Services there Saturday at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 4594, NY, NY 10163-4594.