Edward J. O'Hara

Edward J. O'Hara, age 76, of Norwalk, beloved husband of Catherine C. (Arthur) O'Hara passed away peacefully Friday, February 23, 2018 at Norwalk Hospital. Born in New York City and raised in Oradell, NJ, the son of the late Edward James O'Hara and Vendela (Hanson) O'Hara, he had been a Norwalk resident since 1979. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army from January 1964 to November 1965 in Korea. Ed received his Bachelor's degree from American University's School of International Service, a Master's degree in History from New York University, a Master's degree in Library Science from Rutgers University, and a Ph.D. in Library Science from Columbia University. He worked for three years as an Acquisitions Librarian at Boston University's Mugar Library, where he met and married his wife, Cathi. He then worked as the head of Collection Development at the University of Kentucky, where his daughter was born. He later served as the Library Director at Sacred Heart University, Manhattanville College, the College of Mount St. Vincent, and Western Connecticut State University. Ed was an avid world traveler, having visited countries as far flung as Kazakhstan and Morocco. He also loved hiking, both regionally and abroad. He and Cathi hiked the Swiss Alps during their honeymoon and he continued that passion the rest of his life. Among his many hobbies, he loved genealogy and stamp collecting. He studied several languages, which enabled him to stay in close contact with his cousins in Sweden. He is remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend, who could always be counted on for hugs, sage advice, and great conversation. He was a docent at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion and a long-time member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Connecticut St. Andrew's Society, the Middlesex Genealogical Society of Darien, and the Norwalk Stamp Club. Survivors in addition to his loving wife Cathi, include his beloved daughter, Elin A. O'Hara-Gonya and her husband Thomas of Plattsburgh, NY and his most cherished granddaughter Annika Sofia Gonya. He was predeceased by his brother, Arthur O'Hara. Friends may greet the family Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A prayer service celebrating Ed's life will be held during the visitation and friends are also invited to share a few words about Ed. Interment will be held at a later date in the South Church Cemetery, Andover, MA. In lieu of flowers friends may consider a donation to SSTV Capital Improvements, Attn. Sr. M. Lucie, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851 or the Norwalk Stamp Club, Attn: John Leskovsky, PO Box 267, Norwalk, CT 06856. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com