Janelle Irwin Taylor
Longtime R’Club Executive Director Art O’Hara has passed away.
“It is with sincere sadness that the R’Club Board Of Directors announce the passing of Arthur O’Hara. This was a surprise and is truly heartbreaking. Please know that the leadership and staff are doing just what he would want – focusing on the children and families we serve. A memorial service will be held at Greater Mt Zion Ame Church. An announcement will be made related to the specific date and time. Please know that we can feel your prayers and your love. Keep Art O’Hara’s family lifted up in prayer. R’Club is missing a large part of [its] family. Art’s shoes will never be filled,” wrote R’Club board member Renee Flowers.
O’Hara served as the head of the local R’Club for the last 18 years. He also led the Louise Graham Regeneration Center for the past 12 years, a nonprofit organization that provides employment opportunities to disabled adults through recycling and sales of recycled paper products.
“Art O’Hara used his time on Earth wisely. He made a difference, made our community better. The future of St. Pete is brighter because of Art and his focus on our children,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.
O’Hara also served as past president of the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club, a political social group that meets monthly at luncheons presenting local, state and national political leaders and speakers.
News of his passing spread quickly on social media Tuesday morning.
“So sad to hear of the passing of my friend Arthur O’Hara,” wrote lobbyist Alan Suskey on Facebook. “He was one of the most caring, compassionate, and likable men I’ve ever known. His work at R’Club and every other project he touched was the better for his involvement. He will be missed by all that knew him and St. Petersburg is a better place because of him.”
O’Hara’s cause of death was not immediately known. But friends and colleagues shared an outpouring of support.
“Art was ‘Early Learning’ and I will miss him by my side fighting for the children in Tallahassee,” tweeted Florida Rep. Wengay Newton.
O’Hara was a staunch advocate for early learning access for children. Newton specifically referenced O’Hara’s advocacy for the R’Club Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. That program provides education for parents of three-, four- and five-year-old children to help them succeed in school.
“Few people personify all that is good with humanity. Arthur O’Hara was one of those people,” wrote former St. Pete City Council candidate Barclay Harless on Facebook. “He was the man that always pushed and fought to make our children and society better. May we all try to live our lives in the manner he did.”
O’Hara was a veteran social worker. He previously held leadership positions at the Children’s Home Society of Florida, the Juvenile Services Program, Family Resources, San Antonio Boys Village and Pasco County Schools.
“He’s been such a stalwart fixture in getting good things done. Hard to think of him not being there,” wrote Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice.
“Some people leave the world better than they found it. Thank you Arthur O’Hara for your work for our youth and your heart for the people. Two Wheels down in heaven, my friend,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch.
“Arthur O’Hara was an awesome guy who worked hard to improve the lives of children in our community. He wasn’t afraid to speak out and was always willing to help. I will miss talking to Art and seeing the results of his work,” wrote former Pinellas County Commissioner Neil Brickfield.
“I’m saddened and speechless at the news of the passing of R’Club’s Art O’Hara. He was a trusted leader constantly pushing to do more good in our community. May we do our own good work with the same stalwart determination and wisdom,” wrote State Rep. Jennifer Webb.
