Obituary
Our beloved Rory Cronan O’Hagan passed away at home, aged 62, on November 25, 2025, in Ocala, Florida.
He was born in Athens, Georgia, on April 22, 1963, but lived the majority of his formative years in Hartford and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He also lived in Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, and Alabama.
Rory was the 16th of 17 children born to Lillian Kellner O’Hagan and Robert O’Hagan. He is survived by 5 brothers: Michael (Kathy) O’Hagan of Wisconsin, Timothy O’Hagan of Nevada, Brian (Jane) O’Hagan of Wisconsin, Sean (Norrine) O’Hagan of Wisconsin, and Kieran (Kim) O’Hagan of Florida; 8 sisters: Mavourneen Sinor of Oklahoma, Brigid O’Hagan of California, Margaret (Lani) O’Hagan Anderson of North Carolina, Kerry (Ray) O’Hagan Kaziukewicz of Wyoming, Noreen (Curt) Jossart of Wisconsin, Maura (Richard) Daniels of Colorado, Sighle Mleziva of Florida, and Deirdre Safikhani of Florida; and one sister-in-law, Adrianne O’Hagan (Kevin) of NY. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Rory was preceded in death by his sister Kelly, his mother and father, his brother Terry, and on the very same day of his own passing, his brother Kevin. He was also preceded in death by nephews Brandon Jossart and Ryan Sinor and niece Kendra Kaziukewicz.
Rory was so proud of his family. He loved us so very much. Having grown up in such a large family, he was quite social and never knew a stranger. High-fives and fist bumps were his specialty, and hugs were his weakness.
Rory was a dedicated worker who refused to admit he might be sick with a cold if that meant he couldn’t go to work. He didn’t understand how a blizzard stopped the work van from picking him up.
He enjoyed 2 o’clock coffee every single day and on workdays didn’t always agree that his break was over if he still had coffee left.
Rory loved music, especially country music. He loved singing along on his microphone. He was quite capable of navigating Google and YouTube Music thanks to the tireless teaching by his ultimate favorite sister and long-time guardian, Sighle. Do not touch his phone without his permission.
Rory loved participating in Special Olympics swimming, bowling, bocce ball, T-ball, basketball, flag football, and track and field. So many trophies and ribbons from all his victories adorned his room throughout his life. Being with his peers and friends brightened Rory’s life in so many ways. At Special Olympic events he saw others who looked like him, and he belonged to something bigger than himself. What a wellspring of joy and excitement Special Olympics brought to Rory!
If you can volunteer to coach Special Olympic athletes, please do. If you can’t coach, then volunteer at a sporting event. If you can’t volunteer, then donate to Special Olympics in honor of Rory and help this organization provide every person with special needs the experience of being with peers and finding joy in sports.
Another terrific organization serving people with special needs that Rory benefited from at various times in his life is The Arc. The Arc provides residential homes, supported living opportunities, sheltered workshops, job training, and — Rory’s all-time favorite event, dances. He really was the only one in our large family with any rhythm. He could cut a rug like nobody’s business. Move over, John Travolta!
A special request to Rory’s lifetime favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers, to clinch the Superbowl this year, in Rory’s honor. He was beyond devastated whenever the Packers lost games. And they’ve been doing that too much these past few years.
By now I hope I’ve conveyed to you the beautiful soul that was Rory Cronan O’Hagan. A gentle, compassionate, man who lived in the moment and loved everyone he met. Please be as kind to others as Rory was.
I will miss and treasure you always, my brother. I will especially miss hearing you tell me, “Get your head out of your noggin—THINK!” All my love, Deedee
A celebration of Rory’s life is scheduled to take place on his 63rd birthday at 1:45 p.m. on April 22, 2026, at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
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