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John W. O'Brien

May 06, 1956 - January 29, 2019

Text:

Obituary For John W. O'Brien

May 6, 1956 - January 29, 2019

O'Brien, John W., III, "OB", age 62, of Whitehall, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

Devoted husband of Ann (Thompson) O'Brien for 37 years; son of the late Honorable John W. and Ruth (Vollmer) O'Brien; son-in-law of Charles and Louise Thompson and the late Mary Ann (Riederer) Thompson; brother of Colleen (Greg) Adams, Christy (Paul) Leslie, Patrice (Rex) Felton, Terrance O'Brien, Julie (Steve) Happe, Jacqueline O'Brien, and Robert (Erin) O'Brien; brother-in-law of Paul R. (Teddi) Thompson, David W. (Vicky) Thompson, Joan M. (Brett) Spencer, John C. Thompson and the late Bruce Alden (Connie Sue) Thompson. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. John was retired from the Allegheny County Sheriff's Department after 31 years of service. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1974 and was the starting goaltender for the first ever Baldwin hockey team. His love of hockey continued throughout his life and included coaching the 1988 Baldwin Hockey Team to the Pennsylvania State Championship. John spent time every summer with friends and loved ones at a family cottage on Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He was often seen with his wife Ann fishing in their classic wooden boat, and he would happily admit that it was Ann who usually caught the big ones. From these Michigan roots, John developed a lifelong love for University of Michigan athletics. He also took great pleasure in following the sports activities of his many talented nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral service on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2019 IN THE JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL at 2:00 p.m. If desired, family suggests contributions to Alzheimer's Association - Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 1100 Liberty Ave., Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or the Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, www.wcspittsburgh.org

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Condolences

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Ann & the O'Brien family, I was shocked and heart broken when Colleen told me about Johnny's death. Too young..... There are no words that will comfort you. Please know I send prayers for all of you to have peace and comfort in sharing your memories of your love for Johnny. Love to all, Joanie Means Critchfield

  • December 11, 2019

    Ann and the entire Oâ??Brien family, You have my most sincere and deepest condolences. John was such a good person. He always spoke so wholeheartedly about his beautiful and talented loving wife Ann and about his close, devoted and affectionate family. My he Rest In Peace.

  • December 11, 2019

    Ann, Anyone who was blessed with knowing you and John could see the love and devotion you both had for each other and family. From watching him in Baldwin Hockey in 1974 to relaxing on the porch in the U.P with you both , he enriched both mine and Danny's life and everyone else who was blessed to know him.

  • December 11, 2019

    Love you all cousins ! and send prayers of peace, comfort and so much love filled with wonderful memories �������

  • December 11, 2019

    Our prayers our with you Colleen and all of the O'Brien family.

  • December 11, 2019

    So very saddened to hear of your loss, Terry. Sending prayers for you and your family for strength and understanding at this sad time. My thoughts are with you.

  • December 11, 2019

    John will be greatly missed, and will always be remembered as a helpful, friendly, knowledgeable person. Everyone loved him. I worked around OB for over 20 years, and he was always there to guide me and lend a hand. He always took the time to ask about our family, and I truly enjoyed our talks about hockey & the lake house in Michigan. Prayers to Ann and the entire Oâ??Brien Family.

  • December 11, 2019

    So sorry for your loss.

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Colleen: My heart goes out to you, your sister-in-law, Ann & the Oâ??Brien & Thompson families. Your brother was such a good man. I know that he will be missed immensely!! You all our in our thoughts & prayers! All our sympathy, Marta & Ralston Merchant

  • December 11, 2019

    To the O'Brien family, My husband and I knew Johnny through a mutual friend, Mark. He was always so kind and happy. Our deepest condolences to you all. He will be greatly missed. Lynn and Scott Wilson

  • December 11, 2019

    To the O'Brien family, you have my deepest condolences. Although we worked in the Sheriff office, I didn't actually work with Johnny. We talked every day as he would sign in. We would always speak of our cabins. His in the UP and mine in northern PA. He was always willing to lend a hand if needed. A pleasure to be around and work with. I am proud to call him my brother. He will be missed.

  • December 11, 2019

    Deepest sympathies to the O'Brien family and friends on the loss of John. I will hold fond memories of good times with OB from our youth. The Baldwin hockey team from 1974 was remarkable, and OB was the heart of it.

  • December 11, 2019

    Iâ??m so sorry, Colleen, to read of your brotherâ??s passing. Youâ??re in my prayers.

  • December 11, 2019

    My husband and I have been blessed to have John W. O'Brien as a friend since 1972. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Ann, and all of his siblings. He loved his family and was loyal to his friends. John we will miss you. Rest in peace. John and Margaret Cangelier

  • December 11, 2019

    My condolences to the Oâ??Brien & extended family: OB was a fixture of respect & professionalism in the Allegheny County Courthouse & he always had a great Baldwin Hockey story when we had a minute. We, the â??Courthouse familyâ?? were deeply saddened by the news of his untimely death.

  • December 11, 2019

    Love the twinkle in John's eyes. John is now watching over you, Ann, and your lovely family.

  • December 11, 2019

    Patty, I'm shocked and saddened to hear that Johnny passed away. He was part of our gang growing up in Baldwin, along with Huck Petri, Jim McPeak, Pat Harvey, the Munishco brothers, Greg and Donny, He was the one with the best sense of humor, always had us laughing while we progressed through those awkward years. My condolences to all of your family during this trying time.

  • December 11, 2019

    To the O'Brien Family, John will be missed. He was such a genuine, nice guy. We both worked with him for years and it was obvious he was devoted to his wife and family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  • December 11, 2019

    Christie and I are saddened on JB's passing. He was a proud member of an Allegheny County family whose contribution to public service and the justice system was without parallel in selfless dedication and commitment to their fellow man. But John left a mark all his own. He was able to balance his good- natured persona with a toughness in maintaining order and safety in his many court room appearances. It is a life that will be missed but remembered fondly.

  • December 11, 2019

    Colleen, Iâ??m so sorry for the loss of your brother . My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. You are in my prayers.

  • December 11, 2019

    Dearest Ann, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. My husband Jerry worked with John and so often my friends would see John on the news and think it was Jerry because they looked so much alike. Jerry too has passed and I know how you are feeling. I will keep you in my prayers that God will send you strength and peace. God Bless, Shelia Hanlon

  • December 11, 2019

    Ann, Ray is in the hospital but wants you to know his thoughts and prayers are with you. He loved Johnny and you and has shared many fond memories with me over the past few days. We were blessed to know him. Sincerely, Bonnie and Ray Mesing

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