Obituary of Charles E. O'Hara

Charles E. O’Hara, 81, of Syracuse passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 22, 2025. Chuck was born in Syracuse to Thomas and Clara O’Hara on October 1, 1943. He attended St. Anthony of Padua and Onondaga Valley Academy. Soon after graduation in 1961, he served in the National Guard for 6 years. He worked at Kelly Brothers followed by 35 years at P&C Foods. In 1970, Chuck met the love of his life Peg while attending a Syracuse Ski Hawks meeting – despite the fact that Peg did not ski. They wed on October 14, 1972 at St. Charles Borromeo in Westvale. Early in life, his loves in life were Corvettes, hunting, and skiing, but as kids started coming by the ones and twos, his interests soon changed to station wagons, youth sports, and completing his never-ending honey-do list.

As a long time parishioner of St. Charles and St. Patrick Church, Chuck was active as an usher and organized of the golf league for many years. He also served as a coach for mid-state hockey, WOYSA soccer, and various sports for Special Olympics. He was known by many names over the years - Chuckie, Charlie Brown, Sarge, “Hey you,” “Megan’s Dad,” and “guy with all the kids.” – but he was most proud of being called “Dad” and “Papa.”

Chuck is predeceased by his loving wife Peggy and his parents Thomas and Clara.

He is survived by his seven children: Michael (Kate) of Charlotte, NC, Megan of Syracuse, NY, Maureen (Matt) of Burlington, VT, Matthew (Bridget) of Syracuse, NY, Molly of Syracuse, NY, Mark (Holly) of Philadelphia, PA, and M. Patrick (Colleen) of Syracuse, NY; his overly- spoiled grandchildren Brayden, Madison, Elouise, Emmett, Oscar, Liam, Declan, Maggie, Milo, Charlie, Cecelia, and Seamus. He is also survived by his brother Pat, sister Sally, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Chuck was a born storyteller, leading not with words alone, but through the life he lived. His tales—and the wisdom within them—will echo through generations to come.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 27 at Tindall Funeral Home, 1921 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 am Saturday, June 28 at St. Patrick Church. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Onondaga County Special Olympics or St. Patrick - St. Brigid Church.