John O'Hara

John Francis O'Hara

April 9, 1936 - October 9 , 2025

John "Jack" O'Hara, 89, of Hilltown, PA passed away peacefully at home on October 9th.

Jack was born on April 9, 1936, in Philadelphia to John and Margaret O'Hara. He grew up in Olney alongside his sister, spending his boyhood playing ball in the streets and fishing with his father and grandfather. Those simple joys laid the foundation for a life filled with energy, loyalty, and love.

After graduating North Catholic High School in 1954, Jack and his best friend Andy McLees signed up to the United States Navy.

In 1954, Jack met his first wife, Mary Ann McLees. They were married in May of 1958 at Incarnation Church in Logan, beginning a marriage that would span 41 years. Together, they built a family bringing a son into this world, John (Johnny) in March 1961 sharing a home and a place where everyone-relatives, friends, and clergy-was welcomed, fed, and loved. Family summer gatherings at Lake Champlain in Alburg, VT carried that same spirit of community, laughter, and belonging.

Family remained his greatest joy. He was happiest surrounded by Mary Ann (who passed in 1999) and he continued this happiness later marrying Diana Morgan of Highgate VT in June 2007 (who since passed in November 2021 ). Sadly his son Johnny passed in 2019 to cancer. Often with a fishing or hunting adventure, around a family meal, or a very detailed story to tell---those were the days that made him the happiest. Even in the face of illness, Jack's optimism never wavered. His humor, love and faith carried him and his family through challenges with grace. Jack's family are grateful to the remarkable staff at Doylestown Hospital for their skill and compassion.

Jack's professional life reflected his character: Respected, transformative and deeply caring. Over 30 years, "John O'Hara" became a legend in The U.S. Department of Treasury, (now part of Homeland Security). So much so, a television show was made that detailed elements of his career, named, "O'Hara - US Treasury" that lasted a season. Jack's career started with the U.S. Customs Service, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who was a Customs Inspector. Jack spent his career as a special agent in the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Swanton, Vermont offices investigating international smuggling organizations.

In 1972, there was a rash of international hijackings and President Nixon declared that there would be no hijackings of U.S. airlines. Jack was chosen to be one of the key components of developing the Sky Marshal program and transferred to the Washington DC area where he was in charge of over 600 officers while leading both the Customs Patrol and Sky Marshals responsible for all ports of entry in Washington, DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia. He was very proud that under his watch, no planes were hijacked from his area of responsibility. In 1982, Jack was promoted to be the U.S. Customs Service, Special Agent in Charge of Rouses Point, NY and led all transnational criminal investigations from Buffalo to Portland, ME. Jack was proud of his office which became known for its collaborative and intelligence driven investigations that was responsible for hundreds of successful seizures and prosecutions. Jack retired with distinguished honors in 1993.

Jack is survived by his beloved daughter in law, Janice; his brother-in law John (Cathy); his sister-in law Patricia (Andrew); his nieces and nephews Andrew (Deirdre), Matthew (Siena), Kathryn (Martin), Cathleen (Paul), Chrissy, Terri (Marc), Colleen (deceased), Kelly (Tom). Step son Michael Morgan (Rachel), and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Friends & family are invited to Jack's Vermont Life Celebration on Saturday, September 12, 2026 to include a memorial service at 10:00 AM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT. Inurnment will follow in the East Highgate Cemetery.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com.