OTEGO – Thomas Patrick O'Hara, Jr., of the Otego clan of O'Hara's, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, March 4, 2008.


Born on January 1, 1945, he was the first baby of the year for Fox Hospital in Oneonta, NY.


Thom attended the East End Elementary School in Oneonta and the Junior and Senior High School on Academy Street, also in Oneonta until 1961, upon which time his family relocated to Otego. He graduated Otego High School in the Class of 1963.


Thom went on to attend the New York State Police Academy. He graduated in the Class of 107 on October 28, 1967. He was one of the five O'Hara's that became troopers; that included, Patrick, Richard, Michael, Patrick Jr., and Thom. He walked the Thin Gray Line from June 1967 until February 1985 when he was retired due to an injury sustained while on duty.


Thom was a member of the New York State National Guard, Company A, of the 204th Engineering Battalion in Oneonta. He transferred to the 414th Civil Affairs Company of Utica, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He proudly served his country in the United States Army for 21 years.


Thom met his future bride, Kathleen on October 19, 1966. They married June 29, 1968 at St. Mary's Church in Kirkwood, NY.


Thom and Kathleen built their home in Otego in 1971. That same year their first child, Grady was born. Two years later, their daughter, Maggie was born and completed their family.


He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his son, Grady Thomas O'Hara; his daughter, Margaret (Maggie) O'Hara Hudson and her husband, LCDR Kevin D. Hudson,USN. Thom was a wonderful father and a devoted grandfather to his three grandchildren, MaryClaire Delores Hudson, Oliver Patrick Hudson, and Alexander O'Hara Hudson, who also adored him.


Thom was proud of his "Irish Kathleen", their marriage of nearly 40 years that was filled with love, laughter and many wonderful memories.


Calling hours will be held at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. in Oneonta, on Thursday, March 6, 2008 form 4 to 7 p.m., with military honors being presented at 7 p.m.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Walnut Street, Oneonta, with the Reverend Joseph Benintende, as celebrant.


On line condolences may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.


Thom will be remembered for his ability to brighten a room with his larger than life personality. Many an occasion was enhanced by Thom's gift for telling jokes and stories.


Thom was a car collector and enthusiast. He also was an avid skier, both on the slopes and the water. Second only to being with family, Thom's favorite place was on his boat.


Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea.

But such a tide as morning seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam.

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of time and place

The flood may bear me far;

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crossed the bar.

~Alfred Lord Tennyson