John D. O’Hearn, 92, of Mt. Morris and formerly of Oregon, died Friday, August 13, in Pinecrest Manor, Mt. Morris. Born June 5, 1912, in Chicago, the second son of Daniel and Alvina Haggarty O’Hearn. He attended Chicago Public Schools, Georgetown and Northwestern Universities. Married Mary Helen Daly, July 12, 1938, in Chicago; she died Jan. 29, 1995. Both he and his wife pursued careers in the Chicago Public Schools, Mary teaching in the elementary grades and John teaching history and science in the senior high schools. For several years, he was principal of Parkman High School in Chicago. Following retirement in 1970, the O’Hearns moved to Oregon, IL, and then later to the Pinecrest Community in Mt. Morris. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling and reading. John was particularly interested in libraries, and the Mt. Morris Public Library benefitted from his generosity. After his wife’s death he established the Mary Helen O’Hearn Scholarship, an annual grant awarded to a high school senior in the Oregon Public School District who is furthering his or her education at a college or trade school. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church of Oregon, Knights of Columbus Council #1092, American Association of School Administrators, Chicago Principals’ Association and Chicago Teachers’ Association. Survived by his brother, Aldan O’Hearn of Chicago; nephews, William (Noel) O’Hearn of Evergreen Park and Robert (Maureen) O’Hearn of Willowbrook; and niece, Susan (Robert) Brennan of River Forest; also preceded by his parents; sister, Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Marge O’Hearn; and niece, Peg (Allan) Radecki. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 17, in St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon, with Rev. Richard Kramer, Pastor, celebrant. Interment in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside. Visitation will be Monday 6 to 8 p.m. in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon, with an 8 p.m. Rosary Service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mary Helen O’Hearn Scholarship Fund c/o Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation
