Mr. Edward Joseph O’Hara, 81, left this life on June 15, 2022. His death followed an unexpected and brief illness, leaving his wife and family mourning his loss but grateful for the memories of his life, well-lived.
Ed was born on April 18, 1941, to Joseph and Elfreda O’Hara, of LaGrange Park, Ill. He graduated from Purdue University in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree and then earned an MBA from Indiana University. He planned for a career in farming, but an early avocation for building and renovation led him to his life’s work as a builder. He was happiest when he was working and was still launching renovation projects in his final years. Many Shore residents can point with pride to the work Ed O’Hara did for them, including his wife; Ed and Sherry first met when he renovated her Shore home in 2007. They married on the property he lovingly restored for her on a deck overlooking Nandua Creek.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Sherry Burns; his children, Bridget Happney (Russ), Ann Badgley (Jamie), and Michael O’Hara (Veronica); stepchildren, Ali Williams (Jimmy) and Erin Callahan; and grandchildren, Logan and Kyle Happney, Trevor, Miles, and Abbie O’Hara, Kalin and Nevan Badgley, Dylan Callahan, and Rowan Williams; his sisters, Peg Cain, Liz Ruth (Harry), and Kathy Gurney (Terry).
Ed had a singular sense of humor, with a manner direct and sometimes brusque but a tender heart that belied his gruff exterior. He had a lifelong love of learning and read voraciously. To honor his memory, please consider a donation to the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation, P.O. Box 554, Accomac, VA 23301.
A memorial service will be scheduled later this year.
