Neil O'Hare
2012 Deputy Grand Marshal

Neil is the first of six children born to Neil and Rita O'Hare. His paternal grandparents immigrated to the United States from counties Down and Antrim in Ireland. They settled in West Orange and the tradition began!

Neil, his siblings, and many cousins are products of The West Orange School system. They are proud to call West Orange "our home." A 1957 graduate of West Orange High School, then he attended Windham College in Putney Vermont. Neil graduated in 1962 with a B.A. in Business Administration from Windham College. He then served six years in the US Army Reserve (1963-1968) and was honorably discharged as a Medical Specialist.

Neil held a long and distinguished career as a Probation Officer for the Essex Judiciary System for 32 years. He retired in 1999. Currently Neil is active in Chapter 52 of the Fraternal Order of Police (Retired Probation Officers) where he held the office of Secretary for two years. Neil is also a member of the Essex County Emerald Society Chapter 1.

He is the proud father of Brian and Tara O'Hare, and his new family, his loving wife Dorothy(Dar); Christine and David Campbell, David Nolan, Beth and John Mikros. He is also the proud Pop-Pop of Lindsey, Nolan, and Bridget Campbell and Katelyn Mikros.

Neil is a long time member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Essex Division. He has been First and Second Keeper and is currently the Building and Grounds Chairman. He was honored as Shillelagh Man of the Year at the 2008 Annual Dinner Dance of the Shillelagh Club. In some of his spare time Neil can be found fishing "down the shore." However, the bulk of his free time is spent at the club where you can find him planting and beautifying the facility and tending to minor repairs!