Gerard O'Mara Obituary

Gerard Joseph O’Mara passed painlessly and peacefully alongside family on October 5th, 2024.  A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, NY, Jerry is survived by his loving, devoted, and doting wife of 62 years, Janet (Howlett), and their heartbroken sons and daughter in laws, Richard (Maureen Donnelly) and Raymond (Ellen Snyder).  Jerry was the ever proud and loving Grandfather to Connor (Erin O’Connor), Christopher (Brittany Grapstul), Deirdre, and Drew and delighted in their every success.  He was the smitten Great Grandfather of Abigail Rose and absolutely glowed in her presence.  He leaves behind his caring sister, Patricia and brother-in-law Kevin Murray, and is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents Margaret (Duggan) and Patrick Joseph, and his sister Mary Ann and brother-in-law James Ingleterra.

A graduate of Pace University with a BBA in Business, Jerry worked most of his life as a Credit Collection Officer for firms in the textile and industrial industries.  He eventually migrated to medical collections before he retired and devoted his second career to monthly trips to Atlantic City with Janet for over two decades.  His passions included fishing, bowling, reading, gardening, and community service.  Jerry was a proud member of the 5th Avenue BID, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and was a Fourth Degree Sir Knight in the Knight of Columbus, having served over 30 years as the Treasurer of Thomas Dongan Council 1251, his beloved home Council where he and Janet made lifelong friends with countless members and their families.

An avid fan of the Giants, Mets, and Notre Dame he spent most of his days in misery.  But the Lord was kind, and granted his beautiful blue eyes the ability to see each of his squads win the occasional championship.

His yearly pilgrimages to Newfoundland to visit Janet’s vast kin were the touchstone of his life. The indelible memories that they forged there with family were never forgotten and shaped their lives. Jerry leaves countless mourning family members back “Home.”

Deeply religious, Jerry served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years and was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Angels RC Church.

Known widely as “Poppi” or “Pop” to the generations of admirers that came to know and respect him, Jerry’s smile and easy-going demeanor were his calling card in life.  Educated, thoughtful, reflective, and analytical Jerry was never unprepared for any serious discussion.  His geniality also prepared him to engage in some serious chop busting when the conditions called for it as well.  He was a complete man in every sense, and will be greatly missed by all those who respected and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.


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Visitation
*Tuesday, October 8, 2024
7 - 9 PM (*Private, Family Only)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM

Clavin Funeral Home
7722 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Complimentary Valet Parking Available

Funeral Mass
Thursday, October 10, 2024
10:15 AM
Click HERE for livestream

Our Lady of Angels R.C. Church
7320 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Cemetery
Resurrection Cemetery
361 Sharrott Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10309