James P. O'Hea

James P. O’Hea, 70, of Woodbridge NJ, who had been a fighter all of his life, laid down his shield and sword on December 17th 2021, and was taken to Heaven. He was a true warrior, and we know he is now at peace and suffering no longer.

James was born in the Bronx, NY to Margaret and Thomas O’Hea. He attended St. Nicolas of Tolentine High School in the Bronx and then went on to Manhattan College. He followed in his father’s footsteps and worked for Prudential Securities in Manhattan for many years. He ended up at Middlesex County College’s Career Training Center helping to schedule classes and trainings for adults wishing to continue their education.

James was an avid reader. He could fill an entire library with the collection he amassed. He made reading an integral part of his life and instilled that importance of literature and words in his daughter. He also enjoyed reading to his granddaughter, Madeline, especially when he babysat her for that first year of her life.

In 2008, James received a heart transplant which afforded him 13 more years with his family and friends. Because of the selfless act of the John Family, James was able to walk his daughter down the aisle and be there to witness the birth of his two granddaughters. He has since “raged against the dying of the light” through the many bouts of cancer that he faced. James’ family would like to extend their sincere thank you and appreciation to the John family for this priceless gift, and the countless nurses, doctors, and staff that cared for him over the years.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Elizabeth McLaughlin, her husband Brian McLaughlin, and their children, his two devoted granddaughters, Madeline Gloria and Ava James McLaughlin, whom he loved and adored with all of his being. He also leaves behind the world’s best ex-wife, Mary Williams and her husband Bradley J. Williams, who cared for him in the final days of his life and all those leading up to.

He is also leaving behind two brothers Thomas O’Hea, and Michael O’Hea, and two sisters Kathy O’Hea, and Marianne Anderson and her husband Brian Anderson. He was also an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, a great uncle to two great nephews, and he leaves behind numerous cousins and friends.  

James is predeceased by his parents, Thomas O’Hea and Margaret (nee Timothy) O’Hea and his mother and father-in-law, Charles and Rosemary Dumberger.

A viewing will take place on Monday, December 20th, 2021 from 3:00-7:00PM at the Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Rd. in Edison, NJ. A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, December 21st at 11:30AM at St. Andrew's Church, 244 Avenel Street in Avenel, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Jersey Sharing Network, the organization who helped find a new heart for James, or to the New Jersey Library Association.

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