Joe O’Brien, 86, of Boyertown, husband of his High School sweetheart, Patricia Ann (Duffy) O’Brien for 64 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday July 12, 2024 at Pottstown Hospital. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late William Aloysius and Marjorie (McGill) O’Brien.
Joe graduated from St. James High School in 1956. Afterwards, Joe proudly served in the United States Air Force and dedicated 40 years of his career to Boeing Helicopters. He was a 3rd Degree Life Time Member of the Knights of Columbus. A devoted family man, Joe cherished his children and was actively involved in their lives, notably as President of the Glenolden Boys Club during their sports activities. He instilled in them a strong work ethic that he himself embodied throughout his life. He was proud of their hard work and accomplishments.
After retirement, Joe enjoyed working at the local YMCA. He was a member of the AOH and the Senior Group at St. Columbkill Parish, where he was a member for the past 25 years.
Surviving along with his wife are his children Colleen Bonmer (Jerry), Terry Holmes (Greg), William O’Brien Sr. (Patricia), Michael O’Brien (Jenny), Timothy O’Brien Sr. (Catherine), and Candace Gallagher (Joe); daughter-in-law Cathy O’Brien; grandchildren Gillian, Kevin, Matthew (Jane), Kellie, Kirsten, Shannon, Zac (Jeff), Maxine (David), William (Callie), Sean (Casey), Staff Sergeant David O’Brien, Meghan (Lucas), Shane, Connor, Airman 1st Class Timothy O’Brien Jr., Erin, Allison, Daniel, Caitlyn, Lauren, and Lizzie; and 11 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Joe was predeceased by his son Joseph O’Brien Jr. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He respected and was in awe of his great-grandson Cody, who is living with neurofibromatosis (NF).
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday July 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Columbkill Roman Catholic Church, 200 Indian Spring Rd., Boyertown, PA 19512. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held Friday from 10:00-10:45 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to Children’s Tumor Foundation ending NF at https://chop.donordrive.com/campaign/In-Memory-of-Joe-O-Brien