Joseph Franklin O'Hara, 83, of Strasburg, Virginia, formerly of Winchester, passed away on December 20th surrounded by family.

Joe grew up with a quick smile, boundless energy, and a talent for getting into trouble alongside his siblings. The cemetery near their home doubled as a playground. Baseball games were played among the headstones. Hide and seek happened wherever there was space. Supervision was optional. Consequences were inevitable. Those stories stayed legendary. The mischief might have softened overtime but what never did was his kindness. He showed up. He helped. He made people feel welcome.

His love of running burned bright and fast. At Handley High School, Joe became a state champion in track, held the fastest mile record in Virginia for many years, and even beat a car, on foot, in a quarter mile race. For all this and more he was inducted into the Handley Hall of Fame in 1994. His Handley pride never left even to the chagrin of his kids who are James Wood alums.

Joe's faith shaped his life from the start. A lifelong Episcopalian, he began as an altar boy, served as a chaplain assistant in the Army while stationed in Germany, and later became a lay minister for many years. His faith showed up through service, loyalty, and showing up when people needed him. He worked hard and liked people. A lot. His career selling travel trailers and insurance took him across the country, with homes in Indiana, Washington state, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Later, while working as a hospital transporter, staff called him "the Candy Man." He earned the title by making people smile when they needed it most with sweet treats and a joke. Joe loved cars, travel, antiques, dogs, red roses, and his church. He traveled widely, including Germany, Ireland, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, Jamaica, and most of the United States. He and Diane also served as foster parents for short-term care for ten years, opening their home when it mattered.

Above all, Joe loved his family. He was married to his wife Diane for 51 years. He told her he loved her many times a day. He loved buying her jewelry and flowers, holding hands and just being together. He had a great smile, was a great kisser, and a great dancer. He was funny. He was romantic. He was never on time.

Joe was a devoted father to Heather and Joshua. A great dad who grew into a great friend. Always joking. Always present.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Elwood O'Hara Sr., his brother Elwood "Woody" O'Hara Jr., his sister Marilyn O'Hara, his parents-in-law Annabelle and Dick Horan, and his brother-in-law Dana Horan.

He is survived by his wife Diane O'Hara, his daughter Heather O'Hara, his son Joshua O'Hara, his sister Bonita "Bonnie" O'Hara, and extended family and friends who felt like family.

Joe never met a stranger. He thought of others first. He lived with joy, faith, and love. He left people better than he found them. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to give special thanks to VA Homebound Program and Gentiva Hospice staff for the care and support they offered Mr. O' Hara and his family.

A celebration of life gathering for Mr. O' Hara will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Stover Funeral Home & Crematory, Strasburg, VA. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, January 10 at 11:00 am at Strasburg Christian Church, 165 High Street Strasburg, VA 22657 with Pastor. Rob Lovett Officiating.

The family asks that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to Strasburg Christian Church, 165 High Street Strasburg, VA 22657,  or Evans Children Home, 330 E. Leicester St. Winchester 22601.

You may sign the guestbook and submit your condolences online at www.stoverfuneralhome.com.

Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg VA is honored to serve the family of Joseph Franklin O' Hara.