Deacon John Joseph O'Hare

Deacon John Joseph O’Hare, 89, of Bayfield, CO, died peacefully in his home on Friday, March 13, 2026. John was born on August 26, 1936, in Milwaukee, WI.

John was ordained a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in May of 1987. He faithfully served numerous parishes for over 40 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Colombus and served as chaplain for Council #14436 for many years.

John raised a family with his late wife of 50 years, Barbara Ann Hill-O’Hare, throughout Albuquerque, NM and Los Chavez, NM. He worked as an Electronic Technician for Sandia Labs for 33 years and simultaneously as an instructor for T.V.I. in Albuquerque, NM for 12 years. John and Barbara moved to Bayfield, CO in 2004, where they remained until their respective deaths.

John’s greatest passions in life were his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, camping, farming, raising livestock, and working on the O’Hare family home.

John is survived by his 7 children, 6 sons and 1 daughter: John J. O’Hare, Jr., Alexis M. O’Hare, Steven E. O’Hare, Ronald V. O’Hare, Victoria A. O’Hare-Velez, Denis P. O’Hare, and Terence F. O’Hare; his 25 grandchildren, his 31 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Ignacio, CO. A rosary will be held at 9:30, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place immediately after conclusion of the mass at Bayfield Cemetery. A luncheon reception celebrating John’s life will be held at St. Ignatius Parish Hall following the burial.