Joseph Aloysius O’Hare, S.J., president emeritus of Fordham and New York City civic leader, died on March 29 in Murray-Weigel Hall, the Jesuit nursing facility adjacent to Fordham’s Rose Hill campus. He was 89.
Father O’Hare succeeded James C. Finlay, S.J., on July 1, 1984, to become the 31st president of Fordham University. He held that position for 19 years, making him the longest-serving president in Fordham’s history when he stepped down on June 30, 2003. His tenure marked a period of dramatic growth for Fordham University.
Norris Professor of Law John D. Feerick, who served as dean of Fordham Law School during Father O’Hare’s tenure, remembered his friendship, dedication to faculty and students, and extraordinary leadership:
Father O’Hare was an exceptional president in the history of Fordham University–its longest-serving. I was honored to serve as his Law School dean for 18 of his 19 years. He helped the Law School grow enormously to become national and international in scope, expressing such a vision for us and the entire University. It was a vision anchored on integrity, excellence, and service. He became a dear friend of mine and many law school graduates and faculty members, and I often turned to him for guidance in my most challenging and difficult moments. He was always there. He was a person of great humanity and a leader of leaders.