John "Jack" O'Mara's Obituary
John “Jack” O’Mara, of Rochester and formerly Center Line, a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend too many, entered eternal life on December 24th, 2024, just in time for a good cigar, a cold Budweiser, a slice of carrot cake to celebrate Christmas day. He was 86 years old. In the face of recent health challenges, Jack demonstrated remarkable courage, strength, and resilience. He was very appreciative of the support from his family, friends, and caregivers.
Jack was born July 19th, 1938, in Minden Twp. to the late William and Clarabelle (Fagan) O’Mara and was the youngest of ten children. He married Carol Anne Brueggeman on February 10th, 1962, and together they enjoyed nearly 63 years of marriage. He and Carol enjoyed traveling, they visited Mexico, Aruba, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, California, the Route 66 drive and many more adventures.
In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his four children: Brian and Kevin O’Mara, Shannon (Dan) Ryan and Michelle (Stephen) Rao. He cherished his ten grandchildren: Emilie-Clare, Camille, Liam, Amber, Samantha, Patrick, William, Conor, Gillian, Aidan and his great-grandchildren: Brianna, Tyler, Reese, Greyson, Cassius, Theo and Link. Jack was predeceased in death by his siblings; William (late Leone) O’Mara, Robert “Hughie” (Rose) O’Mara, James “Donald” (late Jeanette), Mary (late Keith) Manglos, Colleen (late Wayne) Thompson, Agnes (late Leonard Brown and late Roy) Kitchin, Alice Jane (late Ed Rich and Willie) Salowitz, Patrick (Arlene) O’Mara and Patricia Molloy (late Robert).
Jack was raised in Sanilac County, where he often spoke of the good times, mixed with a little mischief, he had with his large family in the area. Jack attended and graduated from St Clement Catholic High School in 1957, where he played basketball and baseball. He graduated high school early to enlist with the United States Marine Corps, completed basic training at Camp Pendleton, served as a MP in Guam and Camp Lejeune and was honorably discharged, as a Lance Corporal in 1960. He was immensely proud to be a US Marine and of his extended family’s military service. He worked as a computer programmer/IT systems analyst for General Motors/EDS retiring with over 30 years of service. Jack was a believer in remaining physically fit. He was an avid runner and golfer, with three holes in one in his lifetime. Post Carol’s retirement, they converted their family cottage on Lake Huron near Port Sanilac into their dream home, where Jack enjoyed hosting gatherings, sunrises, and golfing at Huron Shores Golf Club. He and Carol enjoyed their warm winters in southwest Florida. Jack enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his friends from various golf leagues. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW Corporal Richard Menge Post, and the Elks. He relished time with his family and was a big supporter of his children and his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting or school events. Jack lives on in the memories of those he touched, may he rest in peace.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Rudy Funeral Home, 25650 Van Dyke in Center Line on Sunday January 5th, 2025, from 1-8 PM with a Rosary at 6 PM. In state on Monday January 6th, 2025, 9:30 AM at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Parish (formerly St. Clement) 25320 Van Dyke in Center Line for 10 AM Funeral Mass time. There will be a celebratory luncheon at O’Mara’s Restaurant 2555 Twelve Mile Rd in Berkley immediately following mass. Burial with military honors, will be held on Tuesday January 7th, 2025, at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Memorial tributes may be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Please visit www.rudyfuneral.com to light a candle or to share a memory.
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