Joe O'Brien, 86

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 

Add My Condolences

I first met Joe when I began my career at Boeing. He was my biggest supporter, mentor and friend and was so admired by every one he meet. We are so sad to not have him here with us but he will always be carried in our hearts and memories until we meet again in Heaven. God Bless you Joe and thank you for just being such an amazing human we all love so much. Corinne

~ Corinne Frey
7/22/2024 6:31:25 AM

Dear Candace, Joey, and Pat,
May the memories of your father/husband and love of the Holy Trinity bring you solace and peace at this difficult time. May he rest in eternal glory.

~ Bill and Maria Sullivan
7/22/2024 1:56:25 AM

On behalf of the St. James High School Alumni Association and his 1956 classmates, I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers on your loss. On May 4, 2025, the Alumni Association will remember Joseph at their annual Memorial Mass at St. Madeline's Church in Ridley Park. May he rest in peace!

~ John Mooney
7/20/2024 8:30:19 AM

On behalf of the St. James High School Alumni Association and his 1956 classmates, I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers on your loss. On May 4, 2025,

~ John Mooney
7/20/2024 8:14:11 AM

Dear Pat and family,

I am so sorry for your loss and so blessed to have known Joe over the years. We are sending you all our love.

~ Ivanovitz Family
7/19/2024 9:41:11 AM

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die (John 11:25-26).

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find peace and hope in the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
- Tammy

~ Tammy Coleman
7/19/2024 9:11:43 AM

Terry, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I'm sending love, strength, and prayers during this difficult time. May the joyful memories of your father bring comfort during this challenging time.

~ Rachel Schroeder
7/18/2024 3:48:15 PM

Terry,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My heart breaks for all who loved him. I am thankful for his service and his legacy that lives on through you, Zac, and Maxine as well as all his children and grandchildren.

Love to all,
Hope

~ Hope Hawkins
7/18/2024 3:35:37 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with my Uncle Joe's family and friends.
Marianne and Milton Slade, Lawrenceville, GA

~ Marianne and Milton Slade Lawrenceville, GA
7/17/2024 4:50:35 PM

Dear O’Brien family, know that you are in our hearts and prayers.

~ Pete Bretzke Maple Valley, WA
7/16/2024 9:31:47 PM

Tim and family
On behalf of all your colleagues at Sharon hill our deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad.

~ Gloria Allon
7/16/2024 11:20:07 AM

Tim, Kate, and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Jennifer Bonomo Boxford, MA
7/16/2024 10:25:24 AM

“Please know that your family is in our thoughts.”

~ Joseph R. Regan, Jr. Rockledge, Fl
7/16/2024 4:19:55 AM

I am so sorry to hear this news. Sending our deepest condolences to your entire family.

~ Chad Roth Boyertown, PA
7/15/2024 9:37:42 PM

So sorry for your family's loss.So hard losing a great dad.????

~ Lorraine Conigliaro
7/15/2024 8:21:35 PM

Sending our condolences to your family. King Avenue was the place your and our parents spent many years watching children growing up in the neighborhood.May he rest in peace.

~ Jim Nolan
7/15/2024 7:10:56 PM

So sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Joe. The Last of our O'Brien Born Silent Generation from 1925-45.
Joe told me I was More O'Brien than Davis. I have to agree.
I am happy you are blessed with a large Irish family to console each other.
I am unable to join you, but, I send my
Love and condolences.
Mike Davis

~ Mike Davis Phoenixville, PA
7/15/2024 5:35:49 PM

We are saddened by the loss of your beloved Father/Grandfather/Uncle. Uncle Joe was always so sweet Our Mom adored her baby brother. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.

~ Tracy Houlihan McMillen Greenwood, AR
7/15/2024 4:46:32 PM