It is with sadness that we share the passing of J. Philip O’Hara. For over a decade Phil, and his wife Pat, have supported the WCPA’s Annual Poetry Contest: The Frank O’Hara Prize. The contest was renamed in 2009 in honor of Phil’s brother, poet Frank O’Hara. Their support has allowed the Association to recruit talented judges and attract 1000s of submissions. We will miss his presence at our annual Winners’ Reading, his advice, and his friendship.
Below are a few photos of Phil from the past few years. You can read his obituary here.
Phil O’Hara (center) with the 2019 contest winners and judge
Keith and Dena O’Hara (left) with Pat and Phil O’Hara (right) at the 2018 Winners’ Reading
Phil O’Hara at the 2009 contest naming ceremony
Phil and Pat O’Hara at the 2016 Kunitz Medal ceremony