William T. O'Hara

William T. O'Hara, passed away peacefully at his Wakefield home on January 16, 2018. His wife Barbara (Bobbi) was by his side. Bill was born in New Haven, CT on September 3, 1932. He received a bachelors degree from Trinity College (Connecticut) and law degrees from Georgetown University and New York University. He held honorary doctoral degrees from Mount Saint Marys College (New York), Providence College, Roger Williams University, Johnson & Wales University and Bryant College. In a recent 2018 communication to the academic community, Bryant University President, Ron Machtley, wrote that President OHara prepared Bryant for the next era by laying the foundation for much of the success the University enjoys today. In 1972, Bill became President and Professor of Constitutional Law at Mount St. Marys College in Newberg, NY. He was then named Bryant Colleges Fifth President and Professor of Management for thirteen years from 1976-1989. When Bill retired from the Presidency of Bryant College the Board of Trustee named him President Emeritus, Henry Loeb Jacobs Professor and founding Executive Director of The Institute for Family Enterprise. Bill was a frequent contributor to professional journals and news publications. He authored many books throughout his career the most recent being "Centuries of Success" that received international acclaim. Bills greatest passion was teaching students. From his first teaching position at American University when he was a young attorney until his final retirement from Bryant College, teaching gave him continual fulfillment and joy. Bill was always committed to community service serving on the boards of directors on various university, bank and nonprofit boards. Bill worked with many notable organizations, among the many positions he held were the chair of the Governors Ethics Task Force, chairman of the RI Independent Higher Education Association, chair of the Citizens Community Foundation, and president of the Northeast Ten Athletic Association. Bill was predeceased by his father John Leo OHara, his mother Kathryn Armstrong OHara, his sister Janet OHara Sullivan, and his brother John OHara. In addition to his wife Barbara, Bill is survived by his sister-in-law Doreen OHara of Chicago, sister-in-law Carol Gimmel (Gerald) of Maryland and twenty nieces and nephews. He was a mentor and inspiration for multitudinous numbers of students that he counted as part of his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for family and friends on Saturday March 10, 2018 at 10 am in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston. A public memorial celebration will be held at Bryant University at a later date. Contributions to The William T. OHara Memorial Fund at Bryant University should be sent to Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI, 02917.