Douglas O'Har's Obituary
Douglas Charles O'Har, age 75, of Pleasant Hills, PA, originally of West New York, NJ, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
Beloved husband of 51 years to Anna (Gemerchak) O'Har; father of Adrienne Martell, Michael (Jenessa) O'Har, Kristen (Jerry) Tedesco and Megan (George) Bawks; cherished Dzedy (grandfather) of Garrett Martell, Alexandra Martell, Maya Martell, Carson O'Har, Layla O'Har, Dominic Tedesco, Isabella Tedesco and James Bawks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen (Douglas) O'Har.
Doug was a loving husband, devoted father to his four children, and proud Dzedy to his eight grandchildren ranging in age from 23 to 1 1/2. As an only child, he was the "glue" that kept his childhood friends, "his chosen family," close for over 65 years. Once married, Doug adored being surrounded by his immediate and extended family. He always made extraordinary efforts to be an actively involved guiding influence with not only his kids but his 12 nieces and nephews when they lost their fathers at young ages. Doug also leaves behind many good friends and extended family.
Doug graduated from Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and also earned his Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University. Doug was extremely proud to have worked for Bettis for over 40 years in support of the naval nuclear propulsion program. He was a test engineer for the USS Nimitz and was the Chief Reactor Test Engineer for the USS Carl Vinson nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Subsequently, he became the manager in charge of five labs including chemistry, reactor plant fluids and shock and vibration testing.
Doug was appointed to the boards of several of his local governmental committees including the Civil Service Commission, The Boro Planning Commission, and Pleasant Hills Water and Sewer Authority. Doug also volunteered with the Radio Information Service reading newspaper and periodical highlights over a closed circuit radio band to the blind and otherwise sight-impaired. He was also selected as a judge at the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to evaluate research from across the U.S. and 75 countries.
Friends will be received on Sunday, November 14th from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pleasant Hills, 15236.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 15th at 10 A.M. at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Thomas A'Becket Worship Site,139 Gill Hall Road, Clairton, PA 15025.
Memorial contributions may be made to Triumph of the Holy Cross, St. Thomas a Becket Church,139 Gill Hall Road, Clairton, PA 15025.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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