John Joseph “Joe” O’Mara, Jr. (1944–2025) passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by his family in Farmington, NY. Joe was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi and moved to Norwich, NY with his family at an early age. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the armed services as a radio operator. He performed a tour of duty in Vietnam and soon after he met and married his beloved wife, Pat, in 1970. Together they raised three children in the infamous Doe Haven development.
Joe’s kindness, generosity and humor will be remembered by those who knew him. His jokes, whether funny or groan worthy, were always a hit. Joe loved to help others when in need, once bringing a stranger to their home to stay during a frosty winter. He was also (in) famous for inviting friends over for dinner and then letting Pat know at the last minute! Joe’s wide-ranging knowledge could hold any conversation, while his quick wit and humor brought laughter and warmth, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went. One would feel like the only person in the world when he sat you down and peppered you with questions about your family, interests, and life goals. He was loyal to God, and his family and country.
He is predeceased by his parents, John and Frances, as well as his much-loved brother, Bill. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 55 years, Pat, daughter Molly (Brian, Quinn and Claire), son Andy (Loren, Arthur and Theo) and son, Brian (Rahel). His many nieces and nephews in both Rochester and around the country remember him dearly, as well as his siblings, Betty, Tim, and Ann.
There will be a funeral mass for Joe on Monday, October 20 at 10 am at St. Patrick’s Church in Victor, NY. A reception will follow the mass in the adjacent reception hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Honor Flight – Rochester, in Joe’s memory, or a charity that is close to your heart.
We are how we treat each other, nothing more.
A Funeral Mass for Joe will be celebrated Monday October 20th 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church (115 Maple Ave Victor, NY). Interment will be private.
I remember Joe visiting the Tonzi’s on Liberty St, always a smile on his face. He certainly was a devoted husband,Father, grandfather to all his family and friends. Rest in the arms of our Lord, Joe❤️🙏 Karen and Jeff Ianiri(in Heaven)
I met Joe and Pat and their children when I was 16. It was 1988. Pat and Joe very generously welcomed me into their family so that I could learn American English and enjoy my first experience in the US as a young Frenchman. Joe was extremely generous in introducing me to his family, his friends, and his country. He loved to joke and laugh about everything and was also very interested in France. Nearly 40 years have passed, but I have never forgotten the O’Maras and Joe for their extreme kindness. Joe is forever in my heart on the other side of the Atlantic. I think of Pat, Andy, Molly, and Brian very fondly.
I worked with Billy for years in the County of Monroe ..I was privileged to meet Joe and Pat , ( and Frances’s) during our tenure at the county
The laughter never stopped , the love for family was infectious.
My condolences to Pat and all of the Omara families
The Brothers are together again , in heaven …oh my, it’s a party
Marianne Richards