Paul Ruley O'Hara Jr.'s Obituary
Paul Ruley O’Hara, Jr., 83, a lifelong resident of Frederick, MD, died at home on August 2, 2025 after a prolonged battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born on March 22, 1942, he was the only son of Paul Ruley O’Hara, Sr. and Edna Knill O’Hara.
Paul was an US Army veteran, enlisted after high school and stationed at Brady Air Base in Fukuoka, Japan. He always looked kindly on those years away and hoped to return to Japan in his later years. On return home he spent several years working at Sagner’s clothing company where he developed a discerning eye for well-made clothing. In 1967 he began work at Eastalco Aluminum Co, staying there for 28 years before retirement. He decided to work again when an opportunity arose at FCPS Food Services. He became well-known and equally well-liked amongst students and cafeteria workers for the 19 years he delivered milk and made school lunches. After his second retirement, he spent more time playing bingo at the Elks Lodge and visiting his grandchildren. His other interests over the years ranged from building custom bookshelves, collecting comic books, being a huge NASCAR fan, weekly Sunday poker with Mary’s family and just being as present as a dad can be who works shift work. In everything he did Paul was an optimist, and will always be remembered by his friendliness and his unapologetic hearty laugh.
In 1967 Paul met the love of his life, Mary Baer, through Joan and Charlie Neel. Joan also had worked at Sagner’s, was his high school classmate and, most importantly, was one of Mary’s many siblings. He proposed after a few months of dating then married Mary in 1968. When he took his vows, he was in it for the long haul. They were rarely separated and he stood resolutely by her side through a couple bouts of cancer until her death in 2014.
Surviving Paul are his two children, Kelli O’Hara Chung and husband Chien-Li of Glen Ridge, NJ and Paul Ruley O’Hara, III of Frederick, MD. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Erin Pei-Wen O’Hara Chung of Brooklyn, NY, Haysie Pei-San O’Hara Chung of Los Angeles, CA, Gavin Ch’eng-En Chung of Glen Ridge, NJ and Naya Baek of Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by sisters Kathleen O’Hara Campbell (husband Gene) and Peggy Boone Crum (husband Jerry).
Services and reception will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Frederick, MD on Thursday, August 7th. Visitation will be at 10am with funeral and reception following at 11am.
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