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BORN
1912
DIED
2013
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Walter O'Brien Obituary
1912-2013
The Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their beloved brother Father Walter O'Brien, O.F.M. Cap., who died in Yonkers, NY on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the age of 100. For over 82 years Fr. Walter faithfully served the people of God and was the oldest living Capuchin friar in the United States.
Fr. Walter was born on October 20, 1912 in New York City. He entered the Capuchins on July 22, 1930 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1937.
During his 75 years as priest, Fr. Walter served in many Capuchin parishes and ministries including St. Michael, Brooklyn, NY from 1938-1942 and 1946-1952; St. John the Baptist, NYC 1952-1957 and 1964-1981; Sacred Heart, Yonkers, NY 1981-1982; and St. Francis Chapel, Springfield, MA 1982-1999.
During WWII Fr. Walter volunteered as a US Army Chaplain and served in the South Pacific, Japan and Korea and was honorably discharged in 1946.
Fr. Walter was the founding pastor of the Capuchin Franciscan parish of St. Pius X, Middletown, CT where he ministered from 1957-1964 and 1999-2007. From 1961-1970 Fr. Walter was elected by the friars and served on the Provincial Council as councilor and advisor in Province matters.
On June 5, 2007 Fr. Walter joined the senior friar community of St. Clare in Yonkers, NY where he resided until the time of his death.
Fr. Walter was survived by his nieces and nephews and the children Frank and Marion Nevin, Thomas and Kathy Nevin, Deborah and Anthony Ryan, and Alice O'Brien.
A wake service will be held in Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703 at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Viewing will continue until 8:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2013. Interment will be held in the Province of St. Mary Cemetery followed by a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, your generosity would be appreciated in support St. Clare Friary, our senior friar residence also located at 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703.
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave., Yonkers, N.Y. 10703, (914)965-5488, www.whalenandballfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter O'Brien
5 Entries
March 12, 2013
"Accentuate the positive...eliminate the negative" That was you, Fr. Walter! God love ya! Debbie O'Brien-Smith, cousin
M/M Bish
March 9, 2013
I know you are a Saint, Pray for me and my family.Thanks for all your service.
peggy fabian
March 7, 2013
Father will be remembered always for all he did at StPius. He was a large influence in our family for many years. God Bless the work of the Capuchins. Peggy Ruimerman Fabian
Marilyn Langille
March 6, 2013
Father Walter O'Brien you will be missed by all. You were a very holy man and loved by all who knew you. God Bless.
March 5, 2013
God Bless You Father Walter. You were truly a pious and prayerful soul and spiritual guide to those who crossed your path. Your prayers brought health to many, healthy babies into the arms of hopeful parents, love to those in search of partners, peace to troubled souls. We love you and thank you for all you've done for us and our family. You will always be remembered in our prayers.
Pat and Charlie Jackowski, St. Pius X Church, Middletown, CT
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