Obituary of Stephen J. O'Mara

Stephen J. O'Mara was led to his place in Heaven on November 8, 2021, after a courageous two-year battle with Glioblastoma. Born on June 21, 1956, he was the son of James and Beatrice O'Mara. Known to his friends and family as "Otis", he will forever be remembered for his unending smile, his kind heart and gentle manner, as well as his knowledge and love for music. Steve was a life-long resident of Cortland, attending St. Mary's School and graduating from Cortland High School. He worked for the railroad for about 10 years before serving as apprentice for Orville Munro at a small electric motor repair shop Steve called O'Mara Electric Motors. After 16 years, he sold the business and was employed by Guthrie Cortland Medical Center in their Maintenance Engineering Department. Steve enjoyed music of all kinds, boating and working on construction projects with his brother, Mike, taking care of his brother, Patrick's dogs, and swimming in his sister, Connie's pool. He served as President of the Glass Roots Garden Club and enjoyed the comradery of its members. He fulfilled his lifelong dream of visiting Italy in 2019, traveling with three cousins and their spouses, returning about two weeks prior to his diagnosis. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathie, his son Ryan (Tanya) Oliver, his Mother, Beatrice O'Mara, Brothers Michael and Patrick O'Mara, Loving Sister Connie (Tom) Letts, Mother-in-Law, Jean Konieczka, Sisters-in-Law Lorrie (Mike) Cooney, Nancy Wonderling, and Mary (Mike) Browning. Nephews Jason (Allison) O'Mara, Joseph (Suzanne) Letts, Matthew (Stephanie) Letts, Jeff (Maggie) Cooney, Jill (Zach) Teague, Sara Wonderling, Stacey (Tavis) Ganoung, Jason (Chantelle) Browning, Kristen (Ryan) Browning, Casey Konieczka and 13 great nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his Father, James O'Mara, Nephew Matthew O'Mara, his Father-in-Law, Casimir A. Konieczka, Brother-in-Law Casimir H. Konieczka and several Aunts and Uncles. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. A memorial mass will take place on Friday at 10:30m at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider at donation to the Center For the Arts or Hospice. To offer online condolences, please visit www.wright-beard.com