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John O'Brien Obituary
John W. O'Brien, age 68, died peacefully surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Durkin) O'Brien for 39 years. Loving father of John (Theresa) O'Brien, Therese O'Brien, Timothy (Ellen) O'Brien, Carmel (Dylan) Brennan. Proud grandfather of Jack, Nora, Isabel, Riley, James and Daniel. Dear brother of Robert (Rita) O'Brien Jr, Nancy (Richard) Kehoe, Susan Lodge and Laurie (Joseph) Bauer. Preceded in death by his treasured parents Robert Sr and Gerry O'Brien and brother, James.
John spent his life bringing joy to all who knew him. He was a visionary thinker, inspirational leader and compassionate listener, who always put family, friends, clients and employees first.
John was incredibly proud of his roles with R.J. O'Brien & Associates (RJO), the firm his grandfather founded in 1914. He led the transformation of the company when he assumed the CEO position in 1986, laying the foundation for the global presence and reputation of the firm today. He held his clients and employees in the highest esteem, and they treated each other as extended family. Doing business the right way was always paramount.
John served as CEO of RJO from 1986 to 2000 and then assumed the role of Chairman until 2007. Prior to taking the reins of RJO, he was a floor broker at the firm and a proprietary trader. He was a long-time member of RJO's Board of Directors.
Visitation Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 4pm-8pm at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois 60077. Funeral Mass Thursday, July 14, 2022, 11am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1747 Lake Avenue Wilmette, Illinois 60091. To view the Funeral Mass please visit John's obituary at donnellanfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to COCE Children Outreach & Community Empowerment, Inc., 4 Briar Lane, Glencoe, Illinois 60022, The Patrick Stein Fund, 30 Coventry Road, Northfield, Illinois, and The Carmelite Monastery, 949 North River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018.
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Memories and Condolences
for John O'Brien
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
William F. Davies
February 7, 2023
I am so deeply saddened to have just found out that my friend John, "OBEE" has died.I had no idea at all. I had missed him so much over the years.Bless you Pat and your family.
William Davies 847-562-6938
[email protected]
William Derrough
July 26, 2022
I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the O'Brien family. I met Johnny as a client amidst the challenges RJO encountered after the financial crisis. Johnny was one of the finest people I have ever known. A man of his word, a man who loved his family deeply, a man who wanted to do the right thing and a man of deep faith. The world made brighter with him in it and we who have known him were blessed. May the Lord bless him and keep him.
Bill Derrough
Christine Kengott
July 14, 2022
Dear O´Brien Family, please accept our sincere sympathy on the death of your dear husband, father grandfather brother and uncle. Johnny was a good man and we prayed for him daily. Count on our continued prayers for all of you at this difficult time. Love Christine and Mark Kengott
Suzann Kennedy
July 13, 2022
Pat and family, I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. There are no words for such a loss. He truly was a strong determined man who loved his family. I pray God brings peace to you and your family during this time.
George Sullivan
July 13, 2022
Johnny, You brought a lot of Joy into this world. To say you were a great friend to our family only begins to describe it. See you on the other side.
Rozann Lee
July 12, 2022
Mr. O'Brien was such a key player in the early days of Word on Fire-- his generosity made the ministry's work possible. I am forever grateful to him and to the O'Brien family, and I am so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man. My family and I will be praying for all of you. God be with you all and carry you through this tremendously difficult time.
Jimmy Sullivan Jr.
July 12, 2022
I am so lucky that my dad met his best friend, Big Johnny, as a young kid. He was the funniest and most caring friend anyone could ever ask for and I loved him. Being a part of his 50th birthday celebration in Ireland was one of the greatest times of my life filled with songs and laughs. I'm praying for all of you Pat, LJ, Teri, Tim, and Carmel. Love you guys.
Love,
Jimbo Jr. (as Big Johnny called me)
Tom Maher (Elmer)
July 12, 2022
John and I were good friends while attending St. Norbert College. He had a magnetic personality and was one of the funniest people I have ever known. Kindly accept my heartfelt sympathy and know that you are all in my prayers.
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Memorial Events
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Jul
13
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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