WW II Vet John Edward O’Hara, of Narragansett, Dies at 99
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
John Edward O'Hara, 99.9 years old, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021 at his home in Narragansett, RI.
John was born March 20, 1921 in Reddish, Stockport, England, the son of John O’Hara and Clara “Worthington” O’Hara. The family immigrated to America when John was 2 years old, moving to Riverside, RI before settling in North Providence, Rhode Island. As a child, John lived through The Great Depression. During John’s teenage years, he became a graduate of La Salle Academy before joining the Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC), Unit- S 51, Charlestown, RI @ Burlingame’s road building crew.
In 1942, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack leading to WWII. John bravely served in the three major theatres of WWII: the European Theatre, the Pacific Theatre, and the Mediterranean- African & Middle East Theatre. It was during “Operation Torch”, the invasion of North Africa; that he served with the Western Task Force (Battle of Casablanca) under commanders, Major General George S. Patton, and Rear Admiral Henry Kent Hewitt. On November 12, 1942 - while below deck on the USS Hugh L. Scott (AP-43), a German submarine, U-130 torpedoed the Hugh L. Scott, hitting the starboard side which burst into flames. Wounded and fighting for his life, John was able to get out before the ship floundered, awarding him a purple heart.
After recovery John was assigned as a member of the crew of the USS Alabama (BB60) Battleship where he served until the end of the war. John served as Gun Captain of the 40 MM anti-aircraft guns and crew. During his tour of duty on board the Alabama, John was engaged in many furious naval battles!
In 1943, the Alabama was involved in the Invasion of Sicily, Operation Zitronella, and Operation Governor, against the German naval force. August 1943, the USS Alabama left the Atlantic for the Pacific for operations against Japan. The Alabama joined the Fast Carrier Task Force (T38 3rd Fleet & T58 5th fleet) under Admirals Raymond "Quiet Warrior" Spruance, William "Bull" Halsey and John "Slew" McCain Sr. John soon rose to the rank of Gun Captain of the 40 MM anti-aircraft guns. In November of 1943, the Alabama took part in Operation Galvanic—Tarawa and Makin Islands and participated in Operation "Forager during the spring of 1944. The Alabama saw heavy action at the Battles of the Philippine Sea, and the battles at Okinawa, Luzon, Kwajalein and Surigao Strait. During a major Battle of Leyte Gulf and specifically the Battle off Cape Engaño, the American fleet destroyed four Japanese carriers and damaged two battleships in what is known as the Liberation of the Philippines. In December 1944, the Alabama encountered the fierce typhoon “Cobra” that sank three American destroyers and caused the Alabama to roll more than 30 degrees.
In May of 1945 off the Japanese home island of Kyushu, the American fleet came under intense aerial attack. The USS Alabama’s Gun Captain John O’Hara expertly commanded his 40 MM anti-aircraft gun crew who successfully shot down two Japanese aircraft and helped to destroy two others. One kamikaze nevertheless penetrated the fleet's anti-aircraft defenses and struck the USS Enterprise (CV-6) carrier.
The Alabama nicknamed “The Might A” led the U.S. fleet into Tokyo Bay after the formal surrender, and documents were signed on September 2, 1945. As a crew member, John often referred to being part of a proud moment in U.S. history.
During Johns’ military career he had engaged in 13 major battles. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, 13 Battle Stars, and 2 Silver & 3 Bronze Stars along with numerous other medals & ribbons. John ended his tour of duty in November of 1945.
John is an Honoree at the National WWII Memorial, Washington DC, The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, LA, The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor, NY, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial, Mobile, AL, and the U.S.S Arizona Memorial at Bolin Memorial Park, Phoenix, AZ (dedicated brick).
John was a man of many talents. He was a professional photographer for over 50 years, and authored two books of poems: “Shirley, His Only Love”, and “World War II”. He appeared in three WWII documentaries and one Japanese documentary on Okinawa. John’s war memoirs and poems are registered at the Navy College Library of Newport, Rhode Island.
After the war, John moved to NYC to work at The New York Journal-American daily newspaper. Before returning to Rhode Island, he was hired at the United States Postal service and enjoyed a 34-year career rising to the position of Postmaster before retiring.
In 1961, John met with President John F. Kennedy. The momentous occasion was documented by a photograph of both men discussing a US Postal bill.
John was a member of numerous organizations including AARP, NARFE, Silver Hair Legislators, Seekonk School committee & Town Representative member. He was also an honored member of Kelly Gazzerro-VFW Post 2812 of Cranston, RI
In his senior years, John dedicated his time to touring the local schools of Rhode Island, New London Counties of Connecticut and Bristol Counties of Massachusetts delivering lectures to children and young adults on his experience during WWII. Throughout this time, John was able to meet and have a positive impact on many wonderful young men & women before their journey into adulthood.
John was a proud parishioner of Saint Peters by the Sea Episcopal Church, Narragansett, RI.
John was the husband of the late Shirley Elizabeth (Johnson) who was the love of his life. On April 23, 1949, the two were married and moved to Seekonk, Ma. Since 1955 John and Shirley summered in Breakwater Village, Point Judith, Narragansett where they finally settled during their sunset years.
On January 4, 2004 after 55 years of marriage, Shirley went home to God. John has now rejoined Shirley and they will be together for eternity.
Besides his wife, John leaves behind 6 sons: Michael & his wife Diane of Detroit, MI, Wayne & his wife Grace of Somerville, Mass, Brian & his wife Judith of Jamestown, RI, Brett of Providence, Dale & his wife Sherri of Narragansett, RI, and Jason of Seekonk, Mass. He was the brother to six siblings: the late Robert J. O’Hara & his wife Brenda of San Diego, Ca, his sister the late Irene Foster, and the late siblings who passed as toddlers Mary, Marjorie, William, & George. John also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 14 nieces and nephews, and numerus cousins from U.S., England & Australia.
As one of his last wishes, John requested that a personal heartfelt thank you be sent to all who cared for him and helped keep him living for a century! The three women that cared for him and as John referred to as, Johnnie’s Angels are Sherri L. O’Hara, Rebecca L. Gilbert RN, Bandy Gomez C.N.A. He was also grateful to his dedicated son Dale, as well as his medical team: Dr. Lidia A. Vognar, Dr. Angela M. Taber, Dr. Peter Pleasants, the wonderful men and women on the Narragansett Fire & Rescue Department and the nursing staff at South County Hospital & Home Care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Due to COVID-19 the funeral will be private and a memorial /celebration of life will be held in the summer or fall of 2021.
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