Robert J. O'Hare

Robert James O?Hare, 89, a longtime Rocky Grove resident left his earthly home Tuesday August 28, 2012 at The Caring Place in Franklin.



A son of James Cornelius and Ethel Rankin O?Hare he was born in Oil City on July 31, 1923. He grew up in Oil City during the depression and for a time lived with several of his aunts, uncles and cousins. While living in Oil City his only sibling, William was struck by a car while riding his bicycle and was killed at the age of 10. He was a graduate of Rocky Grove High School Class of 1942.



Following graduation he enlisted in the Navy. During World War II he was stationed at Pearl Harbor.



On December 3, 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, and enrolled at Youngstown University on the GI Bill. He received his degree in 1951.Mr. O?Hare was employed by Prudential Insurance, retiring due to health concerns. While with Prudential he was a union representative.



He had formerly served on the Sugarcreek Borough Zoning Committee, The Venango County Democratic Committee, and had been a trustee of the Christ United Methodist Church where he was a long time member. He was a member of the Franklin Elks Lodge, Franklin Eagles and the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Dept.



Bob was well-known in Franklin as the man walking with the white cane. He was especially proud of his Irish heritage. He and his wife traveled to Ireland in 2004 with two of his daughters and their spouses.



He was married to the former Virginia Chapin. She died January 10, 2006.

Surviving are three daughters Roberta Lehman and her husband Fred of Butler, Colleen Holtz and her husband Steve of Franklin and Karen Harton of Bradenton, FL; 6 grandchildren Chris Lehman and his wife Amy, Keith Lehman and his wife Tammy all of Butler, Jennifer Billingsley and her husband Kevin of Franklin, Sherri Schultz and her husband John of Honesdale, Brett Harton and his wife Melissa of Catonsville, MD and Erin Harton of Austin, TX; 9 great-grandchildren Nicholas, Leah and Megan Billingsley all of Franklin, Philip Lehman and Emma and Audrey Lehman all of Butler, Charlotte and Gabriella Schultz of Honesdale and Ava Harton of Catonsville, MD.



He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother.



Friends will be received in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 312 W. Park St. Franklin from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo St, Franklin with the Rev. David Janz, pastor officiating.



Interment will follow in the Franklin Cemetery.



Memorial donations may be made to the Oil Valley Chapter Pennsylvania Council of the Blind or Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo St., Franklin PA 16323.