6. | MAHAR, David John (2.Sylvia2, 1.Anna1) was born on 20 Feb 1936 in Gasport, Niagara County, NY; died on 2 Jan 2020 in Gasport, Niagara County, NY. Notes:
David Mahar, 83, a lifetime resident of Gasport and Wilson, NY, devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away on January 2, 2020 surrounded by loving family. Born February 20, 1936 in Gasport, NY, he was the son of the late Emmett and Sylvia (Haseley) Mahar.
Dave attended DeSales Catholic School and Cornell University, where he enrolled in the ROTC program and trained to become an officer. During his training, he attended the 82nd Airborne School in North Carolina. His training with the 82nd Airborne was one of the proudest times in his life. After his discharge, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, and served at Camp Drum for many summers.
In 1967, he married Mary Ann O'Connor, mother of his four children, who predeceased him in 1979. After her passing, Dave worked tirelessly to support his children and help them develop strong work ethics and a capable approach to life. In 1992, Dave married Joan (Van Arsdale) Hartz. Together, Dave and Joan travelled consistently and spent many wonderful years together as snowbirds, enjoying time in Florida during the winter months.
Dave grew up on Mahar's Ponderosa with his family and together, they built their family farm into a successful business. In 1963, Dave went to work for Lakeside Farms in Ransomville as Manager for the large dairy, vegetable and fruit farm. He learned the business ropes there and in 1969, moved on to Frontier Stone, eventually buying the business with Bob Pass and Chuck Loiacano in 1983. Surrounded by excellent people, they ran the business successfully until selling to Redland in 1997.
Dave loved to host family parties, including everything from chicken barbeques to Father's Day feasts and August corn parties. His hobbies included hunting, photography, golf and gardening. A World War II enthusiast, Dave read countless books on the subject. A member of St. Brendan on the Lake parish, Dave was a devoted Catholic who lived a humble life and gave generously to others. Dave was a mentor to countless people, helping to shape and change lives for the better, paying forward the gift of wisdom others had given to him. Although his time was cut short with them, he loved being with his grandkids.
Dave is survived by wife, Joan Mahar; children, Maureen Mahar, Michael (Trisha) Mahar, John (Maggie) Mahar and Meg (Craig) Thrall; step-children, Bob (Lauren) Hartz, Jim Hartz and Mike Hartz; grandchildren, Mitch, Ben, Evan, Jack, Berlyn, Max, Spencer, Eli, Emma, Josh and Landon; siblings, Jim (Pauline) Mahar, Linda McDonough and Larry Mahar; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews. In addition to his late wife, Mary Ann, and his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, William Mahar and Francis (Maryann) Mahar.
Visitation Monday, January 6th from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Hamilton and Clark Funeral Home in Wilson. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, January 7th at St. Brendan on the Lake in the village of Wilson.
Please visit DavidMahar.com for an extended obituary and photo gallery.
Family/Spouse: O'CONNOR, Mary Ann. Mary died in 1979. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
David married VAN ARSDALE, Joan in 1992. Joan (daughter of VAN ARSDALE, Paul and Fern) was born on 9 May 1943 in Buffalo, Erie County, NY; died on 21 Jan 2023 in Town of Wilson, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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