Jack Levine: Art O’Hara — a memorial tribute

Ed. note — Longtime St. Petersburg children’s advocate Art O’Hara died in June at age 67. The following is from a celebration of his life held July 27 at the Mount Zion AME Church in St. Petersburg. ___ I have had the honor to call Art O’Hara a dear friend and advocate ally for some four decades. Of course, some gathered here today to celebrate the life and honor the memory of this kind, considerate, gregarious, generous and oh so loving man have known Art for a longer time than I. We must agree, though, that the power and impact of this great man was not limited to any time frame. For me … and for so many others … just a single encounter with Art O’Hara had the potential of being a life-changing event. What was the power of Art’s personality? First, it was his sincerity and authenticity. When Art shared time with you, his communication was clear and consistent with his core belief that all people deserve to be respected. Irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender, religion, economic status, political leaning or other unique characteristic, Art truly leaned forward to listen and learn in his own special way … his willingness to be a friend to all glowed like a bright candle. We were all attracted to that flame. Art never limited his willingness to engage with others … he was truly a lifelong learner. The amazing diversity of Art’s interests, involvements, and leadership roles are ample evidence that he was forever eager to be open to the amazing possibilities which life offers. Art O’Hara never met a challenge with anything but bountiful confidence, conscientious analysis and a steadfast resolve to confront every problem with a viable solution. Most significant was Art’s intense focus on exerting his creative […]

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