Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Jun 9, 1947 - Dec 15, 2012
Well, ten years have passed, but the memories are still fresh. It seems like only yesterday when Brad was with us and orchestrating all of our get-togethers. It's not the same without him. He'll always be missed.
Georgia Wagner
December 12, 2022 | Brighton, CO | Classmate
Dawn, You know what great friends Brad and I were. Later, you became my friend too. Brad and Roger were my dates to every class reunion!!!! I am still not over the shock. I send my love to you and the family. Know I share your loss.
Lynn Walsh/Wilfong
December 31, 2012 | Estero, FL
Dear Dawn and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. It just doesn't seem possible that we have lost such a nice, fun guy. My sympathy goes out to all of you.
Cathy Merigis Sorenson
December 18, 2012
My thoughts are with Brad's family and friends during this very difficult time. Brad made friends easily, never forgot them and his memory will be with us always.
Sonya Conlin
December 18, 2012 | Auburn, IL
Dawn, We are so saddened to hear of Brad's passing. It was my pleasure to have known and worked with him. Many condolences.
Greg Golojuch
December 18, 2012
Dawn, Justin, Ashley and family,
We were very saddened to learn of Brad's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you in this time of sorrow.
Lonny & Sandy Cooper
December 18, 2012 | Oakland, IL
Dawn and family, so sorry for your loss,with deepest Sympathy, your friend from excercise Class.
Gloria Farris
Gloria Farris
December 17, 2012 | WESTFIELD, IL
Dawn, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Brad's passing. He has been a great friend for so many years. Please accept my sympathy. He will be greatly missed.
Faye Wiley
December 17, 2012 | Jefferson, IA
Dawn, I was saddened to hear about Brad. He was a friend since first grade and will be missed by so many people. You are in my prayers and thoughts. With Deepest Sympathy.
Vicki Archer Rousey
December 17, 2012 | Scottsdale, AZ
CHARLESTON, IL – Robert Bradley O'Brien, age 65 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Masonic Services will be conducted at the close of visitation by members and guests of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Tom Farris officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts in his honor be made to the Brad O'Brien Memorial Fund. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Brad was born on June 9, 1947 in Chicago and was the only child of the late Clarence H. "Jack" and Zalla A. (Bryant) O'Brien. He married Dawn Elliott on July 25, 1990 and they have enjoyed sharing these past twenty-two years of marriage with family and friends. In addition to his loving wife Dawn, Brad is survived by four children, Amy Osborne of Mattoon, Tammy Metzger of LaPorte, Indiana, Ashley Armstrong of Charleston, and Justin Armstrong and special friend Tania Ayers and her children, Bailey and Clara Cox, all of Charleston; six grandchildren, Andy and Ali McGee, Brittany Leach and April, Justin and Jack Metzger; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glenn and Sue Elliott of Mattoon; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg and Carol Elliott of Mattoon; several nieces and nephews; forever friends from the Class of '65 including Roger Webster, Dick Smith and Gary (Debbie) Craig his classmate and best friend for sixty years; and Jack Adair who has been a good friend and "partner in crime".
Brad was employed at Moore Business Forms for twenty-five years and at J.J. Collins for thirteen. He also managed Charleston Lanes for several years and also operated the former Greenup Lanes in Greenup, Illinois. Brad was a member of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M. and the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite. He was a long-time member of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), was President of the Charleston Bowling Association and held various other bowling league and association offices.
To say that Brad was an avid bowler would be an understatement. He loved the game and he was good at it - bowling at least three perfect 300 games. Brad also never knew a stranger – he had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel at ease and comfortable – you would have thought he had known them forever. He was a huge fan of Chicago Cubs baseball as well as Godfather's jumbo/combo pizza; and, if you lived in Brad's neighborhood and needed your yard mowed – it was a done deal. Brad's Class of 1965 classmates always meant the world to him and was dedicated to keeping in touch with everyone. He was instrumental in the organization of class reunions and get-togethers and gave so much to others while expecting nothing in return.
Brad realized the importance of family and the value of good friendships. His family and many, many friends will always remember the smile that accompanied his good sense of humor and will never forget the many ways in which Brad touched their lives with his generosity and goodwill. Click here to view Brad's memorial video.
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