Sharon O’Hara DiChiara, beloved mother of Kim (Matt) of Montauk, NY, and

Mark (Elizabeth) of Burlington, CT passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026,

surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of Joseph DiChiara

for 64 years, adoring grandmother to Alex, Brennan, Caroline, Jennifer, and

Nathan, and she held a special place in her heart for her many nieces and

nephews.

Born to Celia and Frederick O’Hara, Sharon grew up in Worcester,

Massachusetts, alongside her late brother, Terry. Shortly after college she met

Joseph, the love of her life, while teaching in Philmont, New York. Sharon and

Joseph raised their family in Newington, Connecticut. She earned two master’s

degrees in education and dedicated more than 28 years to the Rocky Hill School

District as a highly respected teacher and curriculum developer.

Sharon had a vibrant spirit—she loved music, people, and was invariably the life

of every party. Her quick wit and infectious sense of humor brought joy to all who

knew her, and she treasured every moment spent with family and friends.

In retirement, Sharon and Joseph relocated to Hilton Head, South Carolina,

where she embraced a rich and active life. An avid tennis player, she also gave

generously of her time as a volunteer with the Hilton Head Humane Association,

Heroes on Horseback, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

A celebration of Sharon’s remarkable life will be held at St. Francis by the Sea in

Hilton Head, 45 Beach City Road on January 22, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hilton Head Humane

Association- https://hhhumane.org/donations