John P. O'Brien Obituary
John Patrick O'Brien, age 91, beloved by all who knew him, went home to be with the Holy Spirit on January 24, 2024. John was born on March 1, 1932, to Mary and Michael O'Brien in Galway, Ireland. He was eldest of five children. His immigration story to the United States in 1959 is one of courage and faith. He arrived in Des Moines, Iowa in 1959 and found work on a farm. Shortly thereafter, he married Brenda Delaney who came from County Mayo, Ireland to be with him in Iowa. John happened to see an ad for employment at Allied Mutual Insurance Company. He thought, "I can do that!", applied and was hired, beginning a long and successful career in the insurance business as a Property and Casualty Claims Field Manager. Various office consolidation and promotions required travel throughout the United States, there were only two states he hadn't traveled to before his retirement. He was a 54-year member of St. Timothy Parish in Columbus. During that time, he was involved in countless church committees, organizations and other volunteer efforts to support the school and parish. He loved working the beer tent at the St. Tim's Festival, something he did for more than 40 years. He was a long- time member of the Shamrock Club of Columbus and served as Treasurer for the Coumbus Feis for 14 years. He was the 2014 Feis Honoree. John was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. He didn't know a stranger as John was friendly, funny and if you spent time with him, he would soon know your life story. He was known as "Gramps" to his grandsons who were his pride and joy. They filled his later years with laughter and the occasional Jameson and Ginger. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Brenda, his brother Jimmy and sister May. Survived by his children, Jarlath (Susie), Dee (Rod) Nutter, Joanie and Vincent, grandchildren, Alex, Chase, John and Luke, his brothers Father Gus O'Brien, Vincent O'Brien of Galway Ireland, brother-in-law, Msgr. John Delaney, Pompano Beach, FL as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family in Ireland. We were blessed to have had him in our lives and find comfort knowing he is at peace. It is impossible to describe all that he meant to our family.
John was an amazing man who lived a simple, fulfilled and faithful life. He will be missed greatly. Special thanks to the staff at Friendship Village of Dublin and National Church Residences Hospice team who provided such compassionate care. Friends may call between 3-6pm on Wednesday, January 31 at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 4661 Kenny Rd., Columbus, OH 43220. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Lane, Columbus, OH 43220. A private burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute in his memory to St. Timothy Memorial Fund (https://catholic-foundation.org), 1088 Thomas Lane Columbus, OH 43220 or in John's name.
January 29, 2024
Linda Campbell wrote a sympathy message