James Edward O'Mara

James Edward O'Mara, 74, of 474 South Kendall Avenue, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017. 

Born February 2, 1943 in Bradford, he was the son of the late James and Mary (Keenan) O'Mara. 

On June 7, 1997 in St. Francis Church, he married Kimberly (Young) O'Mara, who survives. 

A 1961 graduate of Bradford High School, he graduated from Alfred State University with a B.A. in Agriculture Engineering.  Later in life he obtained a B.A. in Human Relations, with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and followed with an M.S.W from the University of Pittsburgh at Oakland. 

He was a life-long member of St. Francis Church, where he served in various capacities, including altar server, member of the Parish Council and Eucharistic Minister, serving shut ins and those in nursing homes where he made over 90,000 Communion calls during his service.  He was also active in numerous activities in the Catholic Community and the Erie Diocese, serving as a member of the Diocesan Liturgy Committee and the Catholic Foundation Board.

He was a life-long farmer as well as general manager and President at Sunny Brook Dairies, Inc. and a General Partner in McKean County Creamery, after the sale of these businesses in 1977 to Upstate Milk Cooperative of Leroy, NY.  He was employed with the cooperative in numerous capacities, including Jamestown Division Manager, Director of Distribution and Sales and Director of Commercial Sales.  He retired from the Dairy Business in 1993. 

Mr. O'Mara purchased Crosby Dairy Products in 1966 from Howard Crosby of Hinsdale, NY.  He then started and operated Crosby Mini-Marts, later Crosby Marts for 40 years.  He was president and CEO of the store group which sold to Reid Petroleum in 1997. 

Currently, he is President of the O'Mara Group, LLC, where he and his long time business associate continue to operate a real estate holding company, as well as other related business activities. 

In 2000, he began as a Contract Employee for Beacon Light as a mobile therapist where he worked with at-risk teen age boys and their foster families in the foster care program and found this to be a very special time in his life. 

He was also active in a variety of civic activities where he served in numerous leadership capacities.  He was a member of the Pennsylvania Milk Dealers Association, where he served as vice-president; Director of NY State Dairy Foods, where he also served as President. 

He was a member of the Bradford School Board, serving for 8 years as a Director, Vice President and President.  He was also a charter member at North Central work force in retirement Board. 

In 1995, he joined the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Advisory Board, where he currently was chair of the Business Affairs Committee and a member of the Institutional Advancement Committee. 

He was currently Chairman of the Bradford Hospital Foundation, where he has been actively involved in financial development and a third generation Rotarian, obtaining a Paul Harris Fellow Award. 

He was active in county politics and maintained an active interest in recruiting and supporting local political leaders. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Kathy O'Mara of Bradford; a niece, Nicole Bednez; his sister-in-law Suzie (Jerry) Maras; three nephews, James O'Mara Segee, Christopher (Chelsea) Maras and Blake (Kimberly) Maras. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Friends are invited to call from 11 AM to 12 Noon, Thursday, February 16, 2017 in St. Bernard Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated at 12 Noon by Rev. Raymond Gramata, Pastor of St. Bernard Church, Rev. Leo J. Gallina, retired Pastor of St. Bernard Church, and Rev. Dominic Monti, of St. Bonaventure University.  Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery 

Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the Bradford Hospital Foundation, St. Francis Church or to the charity of the donor's choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 

Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

May Jim rest in peace. He was such a bright light in this world and he served everyone with a smile. He will be missed.
— Karen J. Rodgers

Thoughts and Prayers and a lot of childhood memories. Will miss talking to JE about years ago. He would always give a smile when remembering the farm. Heaven got another great "Kido". ??
— Dan and Pam Swackhamer Reinhardt and family

Im so sorry fot your loss. Prayers for you and the entire family. He was such a great man. Always about his business. RIP.
— Hannah Crosby #80

J.E. O''Mara, my cousin is gone. Oh, the family history and stories he leaves behind. I can recall many. J.E. was so very kind to my Mother in her declining years ( Genevieve Wharton Geise- her Mother was Helen O''Mara Wharton ).I will miss knowing J.E. is with we on Earth but he joins the O''Mara clan in the sky.
— Helengene Geise Wilson

Kathy, you are in our prayers with the passing of your brother Jim.Bradford will miss him.
— Brad &Sally Mangel

Kim - I was so sad to learn about Jim. He was a vibrant "light" to all of us on the Board of The Catholic Foundation. May God''s graces sustain you. Hug, Joyce R-K
— Joyce Ravnikar-Kulyk

I was so saddened to hear of Jim''s passing. He was an incredible man that touched so many lives in the Bradford community. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to Kimberly and his entire family.
— Jill Cummiskey

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. I will surely miss his words of wisdom and enjoyed the time I spent with him. My sympathy to you and your family.
— Keith McAndrew

Jim, I will miss your laughter, honesty, and friendship. You truly made the world a better and more colorful place.
— Dr. Carl Case

Kim, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim''s passing. I hope that your memories help you find some comfort in this time of grief. May God wrap both of you in his arms. You are in my prayers.
— Christina Abbott

Kim, I was so saddened to hear of Jim''s passing. He was not only our patient at Dr. Herrmann''s office, he was our dear friend. As a former resident and school board member in Hinsdale, I loved sharing stories about Mr. Crosby. What a life Jim lived and shared with everyone that knew him. He was certainly a truly community minded individual. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Why Jesus takes the ones we love, ''Tis hard for us to know. This time He didn''t pull the weed, This time He took the Rose. Nancy Luce, RN
— Nancy Luce

So very sorry for your loss. JE was a super guy!! Prayers to the Family!!
— Stephen Maitland

Kimberly, I was deeply saddened to learn of Jim''s passing. I count myself fortunate to have recently gotten together with you for fun and sharing memories, and I was duly impressed with how deeply Jim cared about all things church, farm, & Kimberly. Thoughts and prayers with you. A good man married to an incredibly talented and resilient woman. Sincerest condolences.
— Michael Fenichel

Jim was such a good person. We had much fun in our high school homeroom. He will be missed by so many people. RIP, Jim. Condolences to your family!
— Linda Park Campogiani

We are so sorry for your loss.
— Beth and Charlie Bennett

Jim will surely be missed by all. I have fond memories of the "hay rides" at the dairy farm. He always enjoyed life to it''s fullest. My thoughts are with the family.
— Jill Kreinson Killorin

Jim O''Mara lived a life of humility, charity and brotherly love. Ministering to the inner spirit of all those he came in contact with. He was an "Apostle " in the truest sense of the word, ministering to both young and old. He was a conduit to our past .... our community development, our families and above all, a prophet of our future... always striving to improve the lives of all of us. I feel as though I have lost an older brother.... the perpetual mentor......patient, understanding and above all kind. My prayers are for all of us that he has left behind especially Kim and Kathy, whom he openly adored. He is now with the angels, always guiding, protecting, continue to watch over us while orchestrating a celebration with St. Patrick to paint the heavens green!
— Kate Still

Sorry for your loss.He will be deeply missed. Jim was a blessing to my sisters and myself when our father was ill. His visits to our home helped ease our pain, Our prayers are with you
— Jim Holleran

Kathy and Kimberly, "J.E" was a long, long time friend. We grew up together on Euclid Ave from the time we were 6. He was a long and loyal friend. He opened his arms to me whenever I return to Bradford. He was truly a man for the people. It is sad that he has passed.
— John B. Maitland

Dear Kimberly, Rick and I are saddened by the loss of Jim. Our Deepest Condolences! He was a kind man with a great sense of humor and humanity. May time erase the pain of losing him while sharpening your fondest memories...God Bless.
— Rick & Sherie Wallace

Dr. Young, Sending you and your family my heartfelt sympathy. Sincerely, Rita Romano
— Rita Romano

Dear Kim, Please know of my prayers and blessings for you, especially at this difficult time. Sending big hugs from New York City...Fondly, Basil
— Basil Valente, OFM

My heartfelt love & sympathy to JE''s family and friends! He was longest time friend and wqe grew up together. i am so glad we had one more chance to talk! Amen. You have left a big empty spot in my heart that no one else can fill! RIP my dear friend! amen
— margie johnson kurtz

I am so sorry for your loss. Jim really helped my son in his time of need. He will be missed but never forgotten. Fly high R.I.P
— Robin Gallik

Thank you Lord for sharing Jim with us. He was so loved, he will be dearly missed cause he is great man. May your grace help with the hurt of his home coming to you. Amen
— Gina Kearns

Kim, my sincere condolences on the passing of J.E. this was a shock to see this. While working at the bank, I found he had a bark worse than the bite. He became a friend. The Bradford community has definitely lost a special man. My thoughts & prayers are with you and family.
— Marlene A Ackley

So sorry for your loss. He had a friendly smile and always greeted us warmly. He leaves a hole in our community''s heart.
— Tom and Diane Sheeley

Kim, so sorry for your loss.
— Jack Gorton

So sorry about your loss.....thinking about you at this very difficult time.
— Bill & Terri Leven

So sorry for your loss
— Sheila Potter

I was so very sorry to hear of Jims sudden passing. You have my deepest sympathy. God bless you and dear Jim Rest In Peace
— Karen Mattoon

Our sympathies Kim to you and yours. Jim was always wonderful about offering my mom June Shembeda communion. Patrick saw him at BRMC regularly always with a smile and kind word. We appreciate the memories as we hope you will.
— Julie and Patrick McCord

Dear Kathy, I am sorry to hear of J.E''s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Nicole at this difficult time.
— Mary Roche Morgan

Condolences

  • May Jim rest in peace. He was such a bright light in this world and he served everyone with a smile. He will be missed.

    — Karen J. Rodgers
  • Thoughts and Prayers and a lot of childhood memories. Will miss talking to JE about years ago. He would always give a smile when remembering the farm. Heaven got another great "Kido". ??

    — Dan and Pam Swackhamer Reinhardt and family
  • Im so sorry fot your loss. Prayers for you and the entire family. He was such a great man. Always about his business. RIP.

    — Hannah Crosby #80
  • J.E. O''Mara, my cousin is gone. Oh, the family history and stories he leaves behind. I can recall many. J.E. was so very kind to my Mother in her declining years ( Genevieve Wharton Geise- her Mother was Helen O''Mara Wharton ).I will miss knowing J.E. is with we on Earth but he joins the O''Mara clan in the sky.

    — Helengene Geise Wilson
  • Kathy, you are in our prayers with the passing of your brother Jim.Bradford will miss him.

    — Brad &Sally Mangel