Terrence “Terry” O’Hara was born on August 8, 1929, to Joseph P. O’Hara and Leila Lee (White) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He passed peacefully on January 29, 2026, at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Terry graduated from Glencoe High School in Minnesota, where he served as President of both his junior and senior classes. A gifted athlete, he was an All-State quarterback in football. In his senior year, he was also a member of the Glencoe High School baseball team that finished runner-up in the state. Terry often laughed while recalling being picked off at first base with runners on first and third, later admitting, “I never thought they would throw to first when we had a guy on third.”

After high school, Terry attended St. John’s University, where he played football for one year before proudly joining the United States Air Force. During his service, he was a member of the “Fighting Remington Raiders” (Typing Pool Group), whose slogan was, “We don’t retreat, we just backspace.”

On July 4, 1952, Terry married the love of his life, Mary Jo O’Donnell, who preceded him in death. He would later joke, “I lost my Independence on Independence Day.” Terry was also preceded in death by his son Sean, his son-in-law Danny Pierce, and his grandson Stevie McLinn.

Together, Terry and Mary Jo built a remarkable life and raised eleven children: Kathleen (Danny), Sheila, Sean (MaryAnn), Peggy (Jim), Terrence Joseph, T.J.,Jimmy (Natalie), Eileen (Al), Chuckie, Anne (Ron), Dennis (Marianne), and Tommy (Chris).

Terry’s legacy lives on through his 24 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Terry worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, as well as for both the City and State governments, retiring in 1992. He took pride in his work, his service, and most of all his family.

Terry lived a full and joyful life, marked by service, humor, and deep love for those around him.

Obituary written by Terry himself.

A visitation for Terry will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 4100 E. 56th St. Indianapolis, IN 46220. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 12:00 PM. Terry will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.