Fr John O'Hara died on Friday evening at 10:30pm in St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne after a short illness. He was 83 years old. Only one month ago John was doing a supply in a nearby Church and declared that he was retiring from them. The following Thursday he was ill and went by ambulance to St Vincent's Hospital. He suffered from liver cancer and knew the diagnosis was terminal. He was quite relaxed talking about his impending death with his usual trademark humour.
John had been a harbour master in South Australia before he went to the seminary at the ripe old age of 27 years, hence the name 'Pop' by which he was commonly known. He spent 30 years in Korea in two blocks of time 1964-1974 and 1976-1995.
On his return to Australia he worked in several parishes in the Melbourne Archdiocese and later was in demand for supply work. He took his priestly identity seriously and provided a great deal of back up to priests in local parishes; he believed in being of service to people.
He had a reputation as a fine preacher; people enjoyed his homilies which were interlaced with his sardonic humour. He will be remembered for his incisive sense of humour.
Fr Gary Walker spoke about the death and resurrection of Jesus in his life as he came to terms with his alcohol addiction. In fact, his weakness became his strength in his priestly ministry. The Vicar General of the Melbourne Archdiocese described him as a kind mentor and supporter of many priests.
Requiem Mass was held in St Vincent de Paul Church, Strathmore at 10.00am on Christmas Eve. A large crowd turned out despite it being Christmas Eve; a large contingent of Koreans came to pay their last respects to him. Their rendition of 'Amazing Grace' was superb.
John was buried in the Columban plot at the Melbourne General Cemetery, Carlton. May he rest in peace.