Obituary of Peter O'Hara
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Peter J. O’Hara, who lived to 87 and passed away in the comfort of his home on November 14th, 2023.
Peter was born on February 21, 1936 to Thomas and Katherine (nee Rooney) O’Hara in Millburn, New Jersey, where he was raised alongside his four siblings. After graduating high school, Peter went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force where he discovered his passion for radar electronics. He was in active duty for four years and earned the rank of Sergeant. While stationed in Wisconsin Peter wandered into a soda shop and met an outgoing young woman named Anita Klein who introduced herself and asked him out on a date. Peter took her up on that offer and soon they were married.
Anita followed Peter back to New Jersey where they eventually settled in Denville and raised their five children. While working full time supporting two children, Peter attended night school for 8 years at NJIT where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering! He built a career and reputation by innovating in the aerospace and defense industry. His broad technical expertise earned him the nickname of “the Professor” from his supervisors as he was their go to guy to solve difficult problems. One important invention was the gyro based, cannon stabilization system enabling the M551 tank to travel at high speeds over large obstacles while shooting targets miles away!
Peter was a very intelligent man and was deeply proud of his work there. Even in his retirement he still made time to take online college courses to further his wealth of knowledge. He was one of those conservative, strong and silent types, with an active mind. His children also remark that he was very responsible and accountable; his motto being “a measure of a man is the level of responsibility he can handle”.
Though we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace, reunited with those who passed before him; his wife, Anita O’Hara, his younger brother, Patrick O’Hara, and his parents. It is now that we look to those he leaves behind to carry on his memory. He preceded his three siblings, Katleen Owens and her late husband Raymond, Dorothy Brinker and her husband Hank, Thomas O’Hara and his wife Felice. Peter is survived by his children, Peter O’Hara Jr., Shawn Mark O’Hara and his wife Marilyne, Tracey O’Hara and her husband Stuart Landow, Jennifer Imbornone, Paul O’Hara, his four grandchildren, Sean, Nadia, Anita, Salvatore, as well as a wealth of friends, neighbors, and coworkers who will remember him fondly.
A Memorial visitation for Peter will be held on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 from 4 to 6 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville. All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of this wonderful man.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: www.cllfoundation.org/Donating.aspx
