Neil O'Hara

Neil E O’Hara, 69, of Windsor, CO, passed away on February 23, 2023, after battling Cancer for the last 14 months. Neil was born on December 31, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York.  Having a birthday on New Year’s Eve, he would always say the world celebrated his birthday with him.  At age 3, Neil moved to the North Shore of Long Island—Northport, New York.  He attended Northport High School and later graduated from Adelphi University in the Village of Garden City, New York.

In high school, Neil was a gifted athlete playing 3 sports competitively—basketball, soccer and baseball—and had been referred to as Northport’s “all-purpose redhead”.  In soccer, Neil helped his team to win the 1971 New York State Championship.  Most notably, Neil was a standout baseball player.  He played both outfield and infield at second base, when not on the mound at pitcher.  Neil received the honors of MVP and League Batting Champion with a .397 average in 1972.  He was voted to All League, All Star Team for each of his 4 years in High School.  By the close of Neil’s senior year, he was presented with opportunities to play for either the Kansas City Royals or St. Louis Cardinal minor leagues or accept a baseball scholarship to Clemson or Adelphi. 

Neil ultimately chose to attend and play baseball for Adelphi University.  His collegiate achievements included: Batting Champion in 1973, Team Captain in 1975 and 1976, and earning All Star status for each of his 4 years.  In 1976, Neil graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor of Science Degree. 

After college, Neil discovered his love for aerospace which took him from NY to TX, then to CA and ultimately landed in CO.  There wasn’t an airplane or helicopter model Neil didn’t know and loved to share his knowledge with anyone who asked.  For the last 20 years, Neil served as VP of Marketing and Sales for Hutchinson Aerospace. 

Along with his love of aerospace, Neil also loved spending time with his family, travel, watching sports, and of course golfing.  Neil and his wife Marci were fortunate to move to CO 3 years ago to live on a golf course and be closer to family.  Neil and Marci traveled the past few years, touring through Europe, Greece, Panama, and a cruise along the US East Coast. There wasn’t a NY Yankees, Dallas Cowboys or Notre Dame game Neil didn’t miss.

He is survived by his wife Marci of 33 years, and children: Shawn O’Hara (Brandi) of Keller, TX; Kellie Huggins (Rusty) of Springtown, TX; Kristin Hammel (Evan) of Littleton, CO; and Danielle Newhart (Joe) of Fort Collins, CO; along with his mother Rita O’Hara of Northport, NY and brothers Kevin O’Hara (Mary) and Allen O’Hara.  Neil was born to be Pop-Pop to his grandkids, which was probably his favorite title - Tyler, Reagan, Brecken, Kennaddie and Gwyneth will all miss his fun spirit and silliness. 

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life ceremony on April 15th at 2:00 PM at Faith Church of Windsor, 1020 Walnut St. Windsor, CO 80550.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Down for a Cure foundation, a charity Neil donated and participated in a golf event every year to support a dear friend’s family.  Neil, thank you for the laughter and the smiles—you will be dearly missed by all the lives you’ve touched, especially your family.  Link to donate: https://www.downforacure.com

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