Obituary of Donald "Nip" O'Hearn

O'HEARN, Donald "Nip" After a lengthy illness, Nip passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at the St. Catharines General Hospital, in his 87th year. Nip has been reunited with the love of his life, Molly and with his daughter Patsy. Loving Dad of Pixie (Bob) Ziraldo, Danny (Debbie), Erin (Mike) Wilson and Kate (Matt) Hingston. Adored Papa of Bryan (Amanda), Mike (Katie) and Mary-Kate Kazragis, Molly, Danny and Allie Ziraldo, Meghan and Patrick O'Hearn, Emily and Christopher Wilson and Madeline, Donald, Annabelle and Charlotte Hingston. Proud great-grandfather of Jaxon and Bennett Kazragis. Nip will also be missed by his son-in-law Vytas Kazragis, his sister Bev Adams, sisters-in-law Marie O'Hearn, Phyllis O'Hearn, Mollie Morris, Pat Twaddle, Bev Morris and also by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Frank, Winnie, Edie, Annie, Kitty, Norm, Danny, Bibber and by his brothers-in-law Desi, Gerry and Danny Morris. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nip grew up in St. Catharines and was a very accomplished athlete. Nip's greatest passion in his early years were Hockey and Lacrosse, playing at the professional level starting at the age of 15 with the Buffalo Americans. Nip split his seasons between both sports, playing lacrosse for Peterborough and Victoria, B.C., winning 7 Mann Cups. Nip was recognized for his athletic accomplishments and he was inducted in the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame. In his retirement, Nip found his perfect job as the world's best Walmart greeter (he cut the ribbon on opening day!). Nip's proudest accomplishment was his family. He was the best Dad. Devoted to his family. He was loving, caring, kind, generous, unselfish and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was so grateful for the love of his family and friends. He made it easy to love him. He truly made this world a better place for all who knew him. A special thank you to the staff at Extendicare for their exceptional care and for being so kind to our dad. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Vigil prayers will be recited in the funeral home at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Star of the Sea Church, 34 Elgin St. on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 1 p.m. Cremation to follow the service. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be given to the Brock University Men's Hockey Team at gobadgers.ca or to Danny Ziraldo's Fight Against Lyme Disease- in trust or at www.youcaring.com.