William J. O'Brien

William (Bill) J. O’Brien, 91, of Warwick passed away on July 28. Bill was born in Jersey City on
September 26, 1928 to William and Mary (Carey) O’Brien. Bill graduated Saint Michael’s High
School and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University. Bill served in the U.S. Army in 1946-47 and
was stationed in the Philippines. He attended the Jersey City police academy and served as a
patrolman for two years. He also worked for General Motors and Ford Motor Company,
ultimately closing out his business career with Firedex.
Bill was pre-deceased by his loving wife Patricia O’Shaughnessy O’Brien to whom he was
married for 52 years, his brother James O’Brien, sister Dorothy O’Brien Carroll and his son-in-
law Arthur Scheffler.
Bill raised his family in Emerson NJ and lived there for 45 years. He is survived by his three
children, Bill and wife Daria, Patti and husband Julien, Kathy and husband Ray; seven
grandchildren: Eric and fiancé Ashley, Greg and fiancé Melissa, Kevin, Janine, Bill and wife
Jessica, Kenny and wife Brittany, Kyle, Evan and Vanessa; great-grandaughter Mackenzie and
siblings Jean, Marilyn, Dan and wife Elaine, Rosemary and many nieces and nephews.
Bill loved spending time with family and friends. He had strong faith and was devoutly religious,
with prayer being an important part of his daily life. He cared deeply for others, especially those
who were suffering or less fortunate. He would spend his time helping others in any way he
could. He was known for the sending statues of Our Lady of Fatima with uplifting notes and
prayers to anyone he heard of who was going through a tough time.
Bill was a history buff, enjoyed model trains and tinkered with cars his whole life. He was an
avid reader and researcher who loved using his computer. He could repair most things and was
a life-long learner who taught himself many skills, including electrical and carpentry to build an
addition on the family house.
Bill was blessed to continue to live an active and full life even into his 90’s, traveling to visit
family near and far. He was a parishioner and loved to volunteer at St. Stephen’s Catholic
church in Warwick. He had many friends who will miss him at the Warwick Senior Club.
Bill was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather/great grandfather, uncle and brother. He had
a positive attitude and valued hard work and perseverance to meet challenges. His kindness,
energy and steadfastness will continue to be an inspiration to all who came to know him. Bill’s
approach to life can be summed up by his favorite motto from Padre Pio: “Pray, hope and don’t
worry.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider a donation in Bill’s honor to one of his
favorite charities: Multiple Sclerosis Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to Pleasant Manor Funeral Home, Inc. 575 Columbus Avenue Thornwood, New York 10594 on Saturday, August 1, 2020 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM .  William will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Patricia who predeceased him in January of 2007 in their family plot at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York at 12:00 PM.  To commemorate Bill's service to his country, the United States Army Honor Guard will be present to perform military honors. 

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