Thomas O'Gara

Thomas Anthony O'Gara, 82, passed away on Tuesday, March 13th at St. Mary's Care Center due to complications from Alzheimer's. He was born on February 12, 1930 in Sedalia, MO, the son of Thomas and Mildred (Modie) O'Gara. He was in the Air Force served in the Korean War and then graduated from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO. He married the former Julianne McEntee on December 27, 1958 in Grosse Pointe, MI. Tom spent twenty years working for various Coca-Cola Bottling plants, living in various cities throughout the US. In 1974 his family moved to Madison. For much of his life he was a successful entrepreneur specializing in niche publications in Dane County. It is now O'Gara Publishing owned by his children. Upon retirement, he and Julie relocated to Palm Desert, CA. In 2010 they had moved back to Madison. Tom was an avid tennis player. He loved to read, research investments, and was a gifted writer. He enjoyed socializing with his family and friends. Tom was known to be a true gentleman. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Julie; daughter, Mary of Verona, son Thomas "Tim" of Portland, OR; son Patrick (Lisa) of Verona,; daughter Carol (Jeff) Kuzniar of Flower Mound, TX; son Chris (Christy) of Litchfield Park, AZ; son Mike (Betsy) of Portland, OR; son Terry (Christina Hornby) of Marina del Ray, CA; sister Sally Wimsatt of Edina, MN; fourteen grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Tom was preceded in death by his parents. The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary's Care Center, Agrace Hospicecare, and Tom Bolger for their compassion and support. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 11:30am with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Tom's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or Agrace HospiceCare.