Paul W. O’Gara
MONTAGUE – Paul W. O’Gara, 74, of Old Sunderland Road, passed away Tuesday 1/9/18 as a result of numerous complications from ALS. He was born in Pittsfield, MA on June 20, 1943, the son of Roger and Lucille (Webber) O’Gara. Paul attended local schools in Pittsfield and was a graduate of Pittsfield High School Class of 1961. Throughout high school he excelled in academics and sports. He continued his education, graduating from Yale University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and receiving his Master’s Degree from MIT.
Most recently, Paul was employed at Sawicki Realty. Prior to that, he was a marketing consultant for various companies in the Boston area.
Paul was an avid fisherman, bird watcher, lover of nature, and promoter of the beauty of the world. He enjoyed history, old houses and the stories behind them, skiing, literature, collecting books, holidays, playing sports, watching sports, coaching sports, and winning. His greatest joy came with his children. He loved watching and participating in their activities during their youth, and spending time with them and their friends as adults. He was in his glory when he could take his family to Yale sporting events. Throughout his children’s school years, he coached Pop Warner Football, youth baseball, and hockey. He will be lovingly remembered for his intelligence, quick wit, friendly manner, and general love of life.
Besides his beloved wife, Brenda (Campbell) O’Gara, Paul leaves a son, Jonathan O’Gara and his partner, Sarah Tuttle of Montague; a daughter, Abigail O’Gara and her partner Evan Jobst of Charlestown, MA; his father and mother-in-law, Roland and Alice Campbell of Pelham, MA; his brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Rita Campbell, sister-in-law Marcia O’Gara, and nieces and nephews Scott Campbell, Dan Galvagni, Amanda Galvagni, and Elisebeth (Galvagni) Sullivan. He also leaves behind many lifetime friends (high school and college classmates, former teammates, fellow coaches) with whom he corresponded on a regular basis.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, Roger and Lucille; a brother, John O’Gara and a sister, Colleen O’Gara.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, 1/13, at 1 pm at the First Congregational Church of Montague, 4 North Street, Montague. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Monday Morning Quarterback Club, (founded by Paul’s dad to provide scholarships for high school football players in the Pittsfield area), C/O Raymond Woitkowski, 86 Yvonne Dr, Pittsfield, MA, or the Tom Giddings Memorial Scholarship Fund (founded by Paul’s brother, to provide a scholarship to a well-rounded Pittsfield senior who has demonstrated qualities of leadership and service), C/O Marcia O’Gara, 4181 Fallcrest Dr, Batavia, Ohio 45103.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home.
Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com. Funeral Home: Kostanski Funeral Home 1 Kostanski Square Turners Falls, MA 01376 (413) 863–2447
Published in The Recorder on Jan. 12, 2018