Rev. O'Meara, retired Rome pastor, dies

Thursday, Apr 13, 2006 (back)

Patrick Corbett
Observer-Dispatch

ROME — The Rev. Robert O'Meara, retired pastor of Rome's First Presbyterian Church, died of natural causes Tuesday while vacationing in Mexico, friends said Wednesday, a death that's stunned the community he served for more than 30 years.

Mayor James Brown presented O'Meara, 71, with the first Shirley Waters Award for community service in January. "I was shocked that this could happen to an individual who was in such good condition," he said. "He used to run around my block all the time. He just retired and was starting to spend more time with his family. "What he did for the community was tremendous," the mayor said.

The Rev. Philip Hearn, pastor of St. Peter's Church, a block away from O'Meara's church, said his heart goes out to his family, especially his wife Selma. "He was very ecumenical, and ahead of his time in that respect," Hearn said.

Rome Rotary president-elect Gregory Mattacola said he has known O'Meara for three years. "He was a shining star. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word," Mattacola said. "He often gave the opening prayer at our Rotary meetings and they were always poignant and relevant and thought provoking. Mattacola said this year's presentation of the club's Paul Harris fellowship will be an emotional event because O'Meara chaired the selection committee.

Family Court Judge James Griffith of Rome said, "When I was in high school, my dad (Emlyn Griffith) was on the committee to bring him in (as pastor). They made a wonderful choice."

O'Meara was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at 108 W. Court St. for 33 years until his retirement last June.

"A week ago I had a visit with him at Rome Hospital and he spoke of looking forward to (his trip to) Mexico," Hearn said.

A representative of the Prince-Boyd & Hyatt Home for Funerals in Rome said the family has not returned from Mexico yet and the funeral arrangements are incomplete.