Daniel O'Hara Obituary

Daniel F. O'Hara, 87, of Jackson Township, PA entered into rest on February 27, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Lisa Ciavola; his three children, Judith O. (Guy) Shorter, Cumberland, RI, Daniel F. O'Hara Jr., Peckville, PA, and Maura A. O'Hara, Providence, RI; daughter-in-law Kerri A. O'Hara (Andrew Halisak), Jackson Township, PA, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Boyle; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous other extended family members.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Elizabeth O'Hara; and his children's mother, Mary B. O'Hara.
Dan was raised in New York City, earning his bachelor's degree, and serving with the Army National Guard. During his career, he was employed with various industrial safety products leaders: Chandler Evans, United Aircraft, Bristol Instruments, Welsh Manufacturing and Norton Company in both Connecticut and Rhode Island. In 1982 Dan was recruited to Gentex Corporation in Carbondale, PA as Senior Vice-President of Gentex Optics. Under his leadership, he brought polycarbonate lenses into both the Plano and Rx markets; introduced the first polycarbonate welding filter plates and first integral fronts to the safety market, and the first commercial polycarbonate laser protection lenses. Specialized products were utilized in government contracts and military applications.
Dan was a voracious and avid reader, enjoying history, politics, downhill skiing, and marksmanship. He took pleasure in a good football game cheering on his team, the NY Giants and watching and attending many NASCAR races following driver Jeff Gordon in particular. His main pastime was all things firewood; often spotting and admiring a handsome firewood pile in someone's yard. In his earlier years he was involved in all aspects of firewood from felling trees to cutting and splitting, stacking and burning wood for heat, always saying that wood warms you many times over.
Dan fancied himself a stand-up comic and certainly did have a unique sense of humor and would have people laughing until their sides hurt. His love and devotion will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 4, 2025 with calling hours one hour prior at the Lakeview Mennonite Church, 1323 Lakeview Rd (SR 1019), Susquehanna, PA 18847. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Appalachian Project, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 758621, Topeka, KS 66675-8621.