George W. O’Hare, Jr., a prominent political figure and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, at the age of 87. Surrounded by his youngest daughter, he succumbed to a long illness at his lifelong home in Lowell, Massachusetts. O’Hare’s deep roots in the community and his dedication to public service defined his remarkable life.
Born to Marion R. (McFadden) and George W. O’Hare, George’s journey began in Lowell, where he was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish. His education started at Notre Dame Academy before he graduated from Sacred Heart Elementary in 1952. An active Boy Scout and altar boy during his formative years, he later attended Keith Academy High School, graduating in 1956. There, he excelled in sports, participating in basketball, baseball, and football. He also served as the president of his classes and was the sports editor for the school newspaper.
In 1956, O’Hare enlisted in the U.S. Marines, where he completed training at Parris Island and Camp Pendleton before being stationed in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Though he served during peacetime, he took pride in sharing stories from his military days, including his interactions with actress Mitzi Gaynor during the filming of “South Pacific.”
After returning to Lowell, O’Hare launched a distinguished 40-year career with the New England Telephone Company. He began as a construction head lineman and gradually rose to the position of public relations director at Verizon. Alongside his professional achievements, he was a dedicated community leader, coaching and directing youth sports programs, including the Sacred Heart Church CYO, the Lowell Junior Football League, and the Lowell Pop Warner Football League.
O’Hare’s passion for education and public service was evident in his political career. He served as vice chairman and treasurer for the Democratic City Committee in the early 1970s. He first won a seat on the Lowell Public School Committee for a two-year term, only to be defeated and then quickly re-elected for a decade. His advocacy for equal opportunities in sports and his proposal for a new gymnasium at Lowell High School marked significant contributions during his tenure.
After another brief defeat, O’Hare successfully campaigned for the Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee, where he served for 26 years. His initiatives focused on fostering community partnerships and advocating for vocational education, as well as supporting students with disabilities. O’Hare was also a familiar face at local sports events, often officiating girls’ high school softball games.
His legacy extended beyond politics and sports; O’Hare was a member of several organizations, including the Lowell Roadrunner’s Club, the Lowell/Chelmsford Lodge of Elks, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He contributed to the community through his involvement with the Alternative House and the Greater Lowell Technical High School Scholarship Committee.
Family was central to O’Hare’s life. He is survived by his two daughters, Susan O’Hare and Darragh O’Hare, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Annual family vacations at Seabrook Beach, trips to Boston, and outings to Disneyland were highlights of his family life. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren at their home on Lake Winnipesaukee, engaging in activities like boating and skiing.
O’Hare also enjoyed traveling extensively, with memorable trips throughout Europe and to Ireland, where he obtained Irish citizenship. His passion for sports was evident as a long-time season ticket holder for the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox, sharing these experiences with his family and friends.
Friends and family will gather to honor O’Hare during calling hours on December 8, 2025, from 14:00 to 19:00 at the Fay McCabe Funeral Home in Lowell. His funeral will commence on December 9 at 09:00, followed by a mass at Immaculate Conception Church at 10:00. Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in O’Hare’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Hidden Battles Foundation. His commitment to community and family will be long remembered.