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Cyril O'Brien Obituary
CYRIL JOHN O'BRIEN
On Monday, January 31, 2011, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth R. O'Brien; father of Anthony O'Brien, Bridget Turow, Johnine Meehan and Patricia Cahill. Also survived by seven grandchildren. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Thursday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernadette's Church, 72 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring, MD 20901, on Friday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Name Society at St. Bernadette's or Iwo Jima Association of America, P.O. Box 680, Quantico, VA 22134.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Cyril O'Brien
Joaquin and Rosalia SANTOS (GUAM)
January 26, 2022
Our deepest condolences. Cy will be remembered by the Marine Veterans here on the Island of Guam. Mass intentions will be offered for him at the Nino Perdido Sagrada Family Catholic Church in Asan. Cy was truly a friend of the Chamorro people.
Anne Swenson
January 27, 2021
Cy - cant believe its been 10 years you have been gone now. I can still hear your voice and miss those calls asking for help with your computer. You were one Special Marine and friends. I so cherish the times we had together. I have a gift that you brought me back after a trip in Newfoundland that I see daily and think of you. You are in our thoughts and miss you. Till we see each other again my friend. Love Always Annie
Shayne Jarosz
January 26, 2019
Cy,
I miss you my friend! I'm still working for the Iwo Jima Association of America and every morning I drink my coffee out of the leatherneck coffee mug you gave me... God Bless you!
Cathy Shaw (Almeter)
February 28, 2011
I wanted to express my deep respect for Mr. O'Brien, I met Cy and Betty O'Brien in the mid 1950's, I was a child and my parents were best friends with the O'Briens. We lived behind one another in Silver Spring, there was so much laughter and fun at their house, Irish music playing and such nice people. It is hard to express freindship, actions speak louder, the day my father died of a heart attack at our house, Mrs O'Brien came immediately and stayed for hours, she retunred home to a smoke filled house due to eggs over boiling on the stove. The O'Briens opened their home to relatives from NYC coming to my fathers funeral and made accomadations for our family to stay at their house during this very sad time. My father died in 1960 and all too soon Mrs' O'Brien passed away in 1975. Such a loss to her husband who loved her deeply and to her 4 beautiful children and to our family the Shaw family. Mr. O'Brien was a good friend to my mother and he came to the funerals of both my brothers and my mother. Mr. O'Brien was a brillant man, filled with compassion, laughter, loyalty, wit and wisdom and a kind, generous heart and the list goes on and on. The O'Briens were wonderful and made a lasting mark on my life in such a positive way, I think of them and I smile. God bless both of them.
Allan Bowers
February 20, 2011
I first met Cyril about twenty five years ago and we became very good friends every time he came to Newfoundland he would call two months ahead and make sure we had a feed of moose or rabbit for him then he would travel all over the island but first he had to visit his old home town Fortune Harbour.he was a great man with many stories from all over the world. Cyril my old buddy I will miss you, may you rest in peace,your old friend Allan
Florence Weber
February 18, 2011
Your father was a wonderful man--full of life, laughter and always had a great story to tell. He was a close friend to my parents (Margaret and Ray Velich).
I will miss him. My prayers and sympathy to your family.
Cathy & Ron Shaw- Almeter
February 14, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Nancy Brown
February 6, 2011
Over the past several months, I had the pleasure of spending time with Cy on the weekends. I felt privileged that Cy allowed me into his life and whenever I left him, I felt sad that our time had come to an end. I always looked forward to our next visit. Cy made me laugh and brought me SO much joy! We'll have your surprise b'day party, Cy, when we meet again! God Bless!
George and Hilda McCauley
February 5, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Semper Cy
Kevin Jarvis
February 5, 2011
Semper CY
Kevin Jarvis
February 5, 2011
I took this photo of Cy on Guam in 2005 a day or so before our visit to Iwo Jima. We had just finished breakfast. Like everyone that ever had the pleasure of spending time with Cy, I will miss his stories and kindness. His love and deep respect for the people of Guam was very evident that day as we spoke about the liberation of that island. He joins my father and thousands of other Marine veterans of the battles of Guam and Iwo Jima. Rest in Peace Cy and Thanks for sharing your memories with all of us.
Semper Fi, Kevin Jarvis
Jennifer Zovko Herlihy
February 4, 2011
I had the opportunity to escort Cy, along with my husband Mike, to the St. B's Gala for a few years and we had such great times together. Cy will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't imagine there was ever a person who met him who didn't feel better after being with him. I know you will miss him dearly.
Laura (Joe) Winslow (Webster)
February 4, 2011
For our family, Cyril O'Brien was our lucky leprechaun, always coming and going from somewhere and always happy to tell you a story or invite you to come along the next time. May the luck o' the Irish continue to bless you, Cyril. Newfoundland lost a dear friend, too.
Shayne Jarosz
February 3, 2011
I met Cy 4 years ago. I grew very close to him over the last few months. Cy was a one in a million. Whoever talked to him, sat with him and laughed with him knows how lucky we were.I will miss his calls and his voice as he announced, " Shayne... O'Brien here, explain once again how to turn on my t.v." God Bless You Cy....
joaquin SANTOS JR.
February 3, 2011
CY will be missed by many of his friends on Guam. A Mass of intention will be offered February 4 at the Nino Perdido Catholic Church in Asan, the village where he landed with elements of the 3rd Marine Division during World War II. We who know him express our condolences to his children. He was indeed a good man; a loving person who cared for the people of this island. We pray for his soul, and may he rest in peace.
Ellie Bertrand
February 2, 2011
Cy O'Brien defined a selfless patriot. He devoted his life to his family and his country. Writing about the heroism and experiences of his fellow Marines mattered most to him. He shared many personal stories with me over the years. We talked almost daily during the past year. I miss his spirit and zest for life. He blessed my life with his friendship.
Pam Biedenbender
February 2, 2011
Cy never met a stranger. A wonderful man that will be missed. I'm honored to have known him. Pax & Semper Fi!
Cy & some of his fans on Guam (2010)
Pam
February 2, 2011
the young and young at heart (2010)
Pam
February 2, 2011
Helen Worth
February 2, 2011
Cy was a legend in the Johns Hopkins APL News office and much beloved by all of us. We loved hearing his stories at our annual holiday luncheons and when he called to tell us about his latest adventure. We will greatly miss this dear, sweet man. Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved him.
Cy - Getting honored @ banquet dinner in Guam - March 2010
Anne Swenson
February 2, 2011
Our thoughts are with you all during this time. Cy was the best - one of a kind. I loved when he called the house to talk and the stories that he told. I so loved when we went to Guam every year - he lit up with room with his stories. He was loved by all and the trip this year will be different with him not there.
Steve Collis
February 2, 2011
My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Cy the last two years while touring Guam and Iwo Jima. What a great guy! We want you to know that he will be missed and he touched so many lives.
travis aldous
February 2, 2011
i was honored to call Cy a friend and enjoyed visiting with him.He was a remarkable writer, always interested by his articles in Leatherneck. Semper Fi my friend
Travis Aldous-Clarksburg,MD
Bob and Nancy Gerardi (Robin's parents)
February 1, 2011
To the entire family, our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with you at this time. Your father was such a lovely, fun, and warm man! And we will not forget his strength.
February 1, 2011
I was so completely saddenned to hear of your father's passing. He was truly a great man and a wonderful father, as well as a delightful person. He was so engaged and involved, whether it was having a cup of coffee every morning with Joe at Roy Rogers or writing his latest article, or just enjoying life and adoring his children. I will never ever forget his kindness to me and the fun times I had living at the house for a time. And whenever anyone called the house asking for me him saying "no, we don't have any Robins here, just some blue birds"....He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Heaven just got a great angel!
Colonel Robert Loynd, USMC
February 1, 2011
On behalf of the United States Marines currently stationed on Guam, I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Cy's family, friends and loved ones. His legacy of fidelity and service will not be forgotten. Semper Fidelis.
The Metzger Family
February 1, 2011
He was a remarkable person with an amazing family.
Dave & Melanie Meehan
February 1, 2011
Such a lovely man, sorely missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Monika Puchala
February 1, 2011
Someone ones said that “you only live ones, but if you live it right, ones is enough”.
Thank you so very much for showing the rest of us just exactly what living it right means, thank you for allowing us to have the pleasure of knowing you, which razes the bar of expectation that the rest of us should have from one another.
Respectfully, Monika and Family.
Cindy Sellers OBrien
February 1, 2011
Your father was an icon in our High School lives and his memory will live on. You were so blessed to have each other. Your strength and determination are a direct result of his influence. We were all lucky to know him and he helped to guide so many in his quiet but impactful way. God Bless. Love you! Cindy
Eric Cotton
February 1, 2011
Johnine - My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. The grief at the loss of a family member is never easy, but is at least tempered by all the happy memories that will forever endure.
Andy Meehan
February 1, 2011
Cyril was an amazing man. Most importantly for raising his kids, and especially important to me, raising Johnine, my wife. His passion for life and excitement in the beauty of 'ordinary' things was inspiring. I knew him bettter and spent more time with him than with my own father over the past 22 years and enjoyed his unique character. He will live on in our hearts and minds for ever and will be much missed
Andy Meehan (Son in Law)
Sylvia & Tony Washington
February 1, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Peggy Noonan Rosenberg
February 1, 2011
Johnine and Patsy,
I'm sorry to know you've lost your Dad. God Bless.
Julie Stillwell
February 1, 2011
God bless Cyril!
February 1, 2011
Dad was a Character!
February 1, 2011
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