Ernest "Bud" W. O'Hara Jr.

Ernest William O’Hara, Jr., affectionately known as Bud to friends and loved ones, passed away at the age of 85 on June 22, 2024, at Firelands Regional Medical Center.

Bud was born on October 24, 1938, in Arcadia, PA, to Ernest and Jean Kennedy (MacWilliams) O’Hara. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Smithport (Glen Campbell), PA. Bud married his childhood sweetheart since second grade, Phyllis Smith of Smithville, with whom he shared 66 wonderful years. They moved to Ohio when Bud took a job as an electrician at Ford Motor in Sandusky, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

Bud's greatest pride and joy was his wife and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis (Smith) O’Hara; daughters, Trudi (Jon) Baaske of Huron, Leslie O’Hara of Tampa, and Susan O’Hara of Pensacola; seven grandchildren, Kennedy O’Hara Gilbert, Fredric Luke, Andrew Baaske, Emily O’Hara, Brynn Baaske, Katherine McCallister, and Seymour McCallister; great-grandchild, Callum Freeman; sisters, Carole (O’Hara) Painter, Beatrice (Sis) Jane (O’Hara) Brooks, and Sharon (O’Hara) Smith; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Trisha O’Hara McCallister.

Bud loved staying active, gardening, fishing, and hunting. He cherished traveling with his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his willingness to help others, Bud always put others first.

A devoted member of several Methodist churches, Bud was involved with Smithport United Methodist Church, Indiana PA United Methodist Church, and Huron United Methodist Church. He was also a proud 50-year member of The Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, Marks Lodge No. 359.

In Ohio, family and friends are invited to gather at Huron United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 26, with visitation beginning at 1 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2 PM.

In Pennsylvania, family and friends will be received at Steffey UMC, Rossiter on Friday, June 28, starting at 2 PM, with a memorial service at 3 PM. 

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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