Born and raised in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Paul O’Hea was the beloved son of Clara O’Hea (née Arnitz) and grew up alongside his two sisters, Andrea Grogan and June O’Hea. Paul’s childhood was one filled with the charm of small-town life, where his passion for football set the tone for a life that was rich in love, achievement, and dedication. He led a full, meaningful life, cherished as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His intellect, work ethic, and what he affectionately called his ‘magic legs’ changed the trajectory of his family’s life.
Two pivotal events shaped Paul’s life and the lives of those closest to him. In May of 1961, Paul met Sharon O’Hea (née Curl) at Hackettstown High School (HHS), and they became inseparable. They married in October of 1967, sharing 63 years together, including 57 wonderful years of marriage celebrated in the fall of 2024. Together, they raised two daughters, Christine O’Hea, DMD, MDS (Lafayette class of92), an orthodontist and professor at Columbia University, and Erin O’Hea, PhD, a psychologist and professor at Stonehill College, where she serves as chair of the psychology department. Paul was immensely proud of his daughters, as well as his sons-in-law, Daniel Pitluk (Lafayette class of 92) and Edwin Boudreaux, PhD.
Paul’s greatest joy came from his four grandchildren, Nicole Pitluk (22), a 2024 graduate of Bucknell University, Aidan Boudreaux (21), a junior at Lafayette College, Brooke Pitluk (19), a sophomore at Wake Forest University, and Morgan Boudreaux (18), a senior at Westborough High School who will attend Lafayette College in 2025 with her brother. All four grandchildren have plans to pursue graduate studies, a path that Paul was especially proud of.
Paul’s life took a defining turn when his football talent earned him a scholarship to Lafayette College in the fall of 1962. He often credited his ‘magic legs’ for the opportunity, though he always acknowledged the crucial guidance of his high school coach, Charles Morrison, a Lafayette graduate (class of 29). Under Coach Morrison’s mentorship, Paul excelled as a star fullback for Hackettstown High, earning three varsity letters and leading the team to three consecutive state championships from 1959 to 1961. He was also named all-county and all-state in 1961. Paul’s football achievements earned him a spot in the Hackettstown High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023, a moment he treasured as an opportunity to honor Coach Morrison, his teammates, and his family.
Paul’s educational journey culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College in 1966, where he was also a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In the fall of 2022, he attended a special legacy ceremony at Lafayette with his daughter, Erin, and grandson, Aidan, celebrating three generations of Leopards. He was especially delighted when his granddaughter, Morgan, committed to Lafayette College in December 2024.
Professionally, Paul had a distinguished career, beginning at Atlas Chemicals before spending the majority of his career at Rhone Poulenc, France’s largest chemical company, where he eventually became Vice President of North American Industrialization. His career took him around the world—traveling to Europe, China, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, and beyond—but no matter where he went, his family was always his top priority.
In 1995, Paul and Sharon purchased Serenity View Farms in Frenchtown, NJ, where he retired in 2002. There, he enjoyed a peaceful life of fishing, gardening, hunting, making maple syrup, and working on various projects. He could often be found in his beloved 1957 white, convertible, Thunderbird, or enjoying time doing puzzles with Sharon.
Paul’s love for education was unwavering, and he made it his life’s mission to ensure that his children and grandchildren had the resources to pursue college and post-graduate degrees. His commitment to education extended beyond his own family; he created a scholarship fund from the HHS class of 1962 to help a HHS student with college tuition. Paul never took education for granted, and he instilled that same value in his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Perhaps above all, Paul was known for his “joie de vivre.” He was witty, funny, and loved to tease people to make them smile. He was vibrant, kind, thoughtful, and generous in spirit. Paul was a man who adored his family with all his heart. Though words can never fully capture the essence of who he was, one thing is certain: Paul O’Hea was a great man. He is deeply loved. He will be remembered. He will be missed.
A memorial visitation will be Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 9 am – 11 am at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J, 07840.
The funeral service will be held 11:00 am on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Memorial & Honor Program, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, www.stjude.org
For those wishing to leave online condolence’s for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com
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Peg Sheldon Russack says
January 30, 2025 at 9:26 pmDear Sharon and family, so sorry to read this sad news. I always enjoyed talking with Paul about Hackettstown. You could tell by speaking with him that his heart was still in town. My prayers are with you.
Chick and Linda Dimiceli says
January 31, 2025 at 3:00 pmSharon I am really sorry to hear of the passing of Paul We go back to the adventures at the Ohea house on Washington Street as a kid Playing football remember you guys started dating going to miss those phone calls all the time Paul had a life well lived God Bless
Barbara Shaw says
January 31, 2025 at 3:29 pmDear Sharon and all the families , So sad to hear of Paul’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My deepest sympathy to all. God Bless. Blessings to all, Barbara Shaw
Sheryl Ducroz says
February 1, 2025 at 12:02 amDear Sharon, Christine and family and Erin and family,
It is with great regret to read of Paul’s passing! Mark, our family and I send our condolences to each of you.
You, all, will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time!
We often think of you, still, and miss the best neighbors we ever had!
We send hugs and love,
Sheryl Ducroz
Traci W says
January 31, 2025 at 6:11 pmSharon and family, I remember Paul well, and always thought he was such a smart and nice man. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, we should all be so blessed as to have a life as full as his. I will always remember you both Sharon, and Paul’s (Mr O’Hea to me), happy smile and laugh. I’d still know you both anywhere.
Love, Traci (Hale) Washer
Sheryl Ducroz says
February 1, 2025 at 12:06 amDear Sharon, Christine and family and Erin and family,
It is with great regret to read of Paul’s passing! Mark, our family and I send our condolences to each of you.
You, all, will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time!
We often think of you, still, and miss the best neighbors we ever had!
We send hugs and love,
Sheryl Ducroz
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