Brother Andrew O’Gara, FSC, of the New York Distict, died Saturday, November 8, in the community residence at Christian Brothers Academy (CBA), Lincroft, NJ. Brother Andrew, 80, was appointed the first President of Christian Brothers Academy in 1991, a position he held until his death. Prior to his appointment, Brother Andrew had been principal of CBA since 1979.
Brother Andrew’s 30 years at CBA were a time of unprecedented growth. Major capital campaigns transformed the appearance of the school. During Brother Andrew’s time, a chapel, a second gymnasium, a theater, state-of-the art science laboratories, and new computer facilities were added at the Academy. Four new soccer and lacrosse fields bear his name at this time.
A native of the Bronx, John O’Gara left home to study at the Christian Brothers high school novitiate in Barrytown, New York. In 1946 he received the habit of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the religious name Brother Andrew of Mary. After studies at Catholic University and Manhattan College, Brother Andrew served as teacher and administrator at La Salle Academy, NYC, and Lincoln Hall Catholic Protectory for Boys, Lincolndale, NY. In 1966, he was appointed principal of St. Raymond Boys High School in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, a post he held for 13 years prior to his transfer to CBA where he spent the last three decades of his career.
Brother Andrew’s viewing will be at CBA on Tuesday, November 11 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, November 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Brother Andrew on Thursday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the McKay Gymnasium at CBA. Interment will follow at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery, Marlboro, NJ.
Please pray for Brother Andrew’s eternal rest.