The Rev. Daniel John O'Hear Jr.

01/11/2008

LANESBOROUGH - The Rev. Daniel John O'Hear Jr., 71, of 17 Juleann Drive, North American Martyrs' rectory, died Friday at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was the former longtime pastor of St. Anthony's Church in North Adams. Born in Springfield on May 28, 1936, son of Daniel John O'Hear Sr. and Mary Kaley O'Hear, he graduated from Cathedral High School, from St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vt., and from St. John's Seminary in Brighton. Father O'Hear was ordained a priest on Jan. 27, 1962, at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield by the Most Rev. Christopher J. Weldon, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield. He served as an assistant pastor at All Saints' Church in Ware, at St. Jerome's Church in Holyoke, at St. Thomas' Church in West Springfield and at Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield. He was then assigned to the faculty at Cathedral High School. On June 16, 1979, he was named pastor of St. Anthony's Church, retiring Aug. 1, 2005. Since his retirement, he had been residing at North American Martyrs Rectory. At the time of his death, he was a volunteer chaplain at North Adams Regional Hospital and with Hospice of Northern Berkshire. Father O'Hear served as a chaplain with the Massachusetts Army National Guard for 25 years and was discharged with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He enjoyed traveling and led several church tours while pastor. He leaves a brother, Michael F. O'Hear of Fort Myers, Fla.; two nephews, Michael M. O'Hear of Milwaukee and Brian L. O'Hear of Sterling Heights, Mich.; a niece, Carol E. O'Hear of Brookline, and a grandniece, Lauren O'Hear, and grandnephew, Daniel O'Hear, both of Milwaukee. FUNERAL NOTICE - A Liturgy of Christian Burial for the Rev. Daniel J. O'Hear Jr., the popular and beloved former pastor of St. Anthony's Church who died Friday, Jan. 11. 2008, will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's by the Rev. Robert Thrasher. Burial will be Friday at 3 p.m. in the family plot in St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield. Calling hours at St. Anthony's Church, 70 Marshall St., North Adams, will be Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., followed by a vigil service celebrated at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Capital Campaign or to the American Heart Association, both in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247, which is in charge of arrangements.

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The Rev. Daniel John O'Hear Jr.

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We attended St Anthonys many years ago. I was from Spfld Mass at one time myself. Fr was a wonderful person and sadness is felt as I read his obituary. He often came by while we were playng for a number of events we did for the Berkshires years ago. I was commissioned to write and perform the Spirit of Springfield in 1986. Spfld has many fond memories. I did not know he was from there until reading the obits. I also attended St. Michaels Cathedral in 1958. He will be missed, he was a wonderful and kind hearted person, my son was an alter boy whicle at the St.Anthonys parish.
from: Patrick Gray	on: 10-14-2008