1939
Joseph
2022
Joseph A. O'Brien Jr.
April 29, 1939 — October 26, 2022
Joseph A. O'Brien, Jr., 83, passed away into eternal life on October 26, 2022.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on April 29, 1939, he was the son of the late Joseph A. O'Brien, Sr., and Regina (Jean) O'Brien.
Joe graduated from GAR Memorial High School, where he was an outstanding athlete participating in football, basketball, and track. He was awarded the Gentleman Athlete Scholar award in 1957 and was a member of the Unico All-Star football team.
A graduate of King's College, Joe started his education career in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District at GAR Memorial High School, teaching history and government while also coaching football and basketball. He later earned two Master's degrees from the University of Scranton and the University of Westchester in education and library science. He continued his work in the school district as Supervisor of Library Sciences and Media. Joe also served as the District's safety officer, teaching safety to the-crossing guards and bus drivers.
One of his great passions was officiating high school football. Joe served as the coordinator and instructor for over 20 years for the Wyoming Valley/Mickey Noonan Officials School Chapter of PIAA Football Officials. He officiated numerous eastern conference and PIAA championship games and was well-respected by the high school coaches in the Wyoming Valley. He served for many years as the District 2 rules interpreter.
Joe will be remembered as a true gentleman with a kind demeanor and a giving nature. He was an active member of St Patrick's church and a volunteer for organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and the W-B Kiwanis. He was a member of St Conrad's Young Men's Society and past Vice President of the CYC Athletic Council.
His wife, Mary Ellen, preceded him in death on September 27, 2022.
His daughter, Mary Ellen (William) Mitchell, Spring Valley, OH; daughter, Bridget (Kenneth) Ermlich, Westlake, OH; grandchildren, William, Bridget, and Katelynn Mitchell; brother, James O'Brien, Wilkes-Barre; nieces, nephews, and cousins will all miss him very much.
Joe's family is grateful for the compassionate care he received from longtime caregiver and friend Jeanette Watson and the staff at Hospice of Dayton.
A celebration of Joe's life begins Friday, November 4, 2022, with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. It continues there on Saturday, November 5, 2022, with gathering at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of the Parish of Saint Andrew.
Memorial donations to the Catholic Youth Center, 36 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, or your preferred charity will honor his memory.
Share memories and condolences with Joe's family at mjmclaughlin.com
Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on April 29, 1939, he was the son of the late Joseph A. O'Brien, Sr., and Regina (Jean) O'Brien.
Joe graduated from GAR Memorial High School, where he was an outstanding athlete participating in football, basketball, and track. He was awarded the Gentleman Athlete Scholar award in 1957 and was a member of the Unico All-Star football team.
A graduate of King's College, Joe started his education career in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District at GAR Memorial High School, teaching history and government while also coaching football and basketball. He later earned two Master's degrees from the University of Scranton and the University of Westchester in education and library science. He continued his work in the school district as Supervisor of Library Sciences and Media. Joe also served as the District's safety officer, teaching safety to the-crossing guards and bus drivers.
One of his great passions was officiating high school football. Joe served as the coordinator and instructor for over 20 years for the Wyoming Valley/Mickey Noonan Officials School Chapter of PIAA Football Officials. He officiated numerous eastern conference and PIAA championship games and was well-respected by the high school coaches in the Wyoming Valley. He served for many years as the District 2 rules interpreter.
Joe will be remembered as a true gentleman with a kind demeanor and a giving nature. He was an active member of St Patrick's church and a volunteer for organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and the W-B Kiwanis. He was a member of St Conrad's Young Men's Society and past Vice President of the CYC Athletic Council.
His wife, Mary Ellen, preceded him in death on September 27, 2022.
His daughter, Mary Ellen (William) Mitchell, Spring Valley, OH; daughter, Bridget (Kenneth) Ermlich, Westlake, OH; grandchildren, William, Bridget, and Katelynn Mitchell; brother, James O'Brien, Wilkes-Barre; nieces, nephews, and cousins will all miss him very much.
Joe's family is grateful for the compassionate care he received from longtime caregiver and friend Jeanette Watson and the staff at Hospice of Dayton.
A celebration of Joe's life begins Friday, November 4, 2022, with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. It continues there on Saturday, November 5, 2022, with gathering at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of the Parish of Saint Andrew.
Memorial donations to the Catholic Youth Center, 36 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, or your preferred charity will honor his memory.
Share memories and condolences with Joe's family at mjmclaughlin.com
To order memorial trees in memory of Joseph A. O'Brien Jr., please visit our tree store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, November 4, 2022
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
McLaughlin's
Gathering
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Starts at 9:00 am (Eastern time)
McLaughlin's
Funeral Mass
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)
Church of Saint Patrick
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