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WILLIAM O'BRIEN Obituary
WILLIAM J. O'BRIEN, passed away peacefully at his home in Chestnut Hill on Monday, May 7, 2012. Founding partner and Chairman Emeritus of the Philadelphia law firm Conrad O'Brien, he was a graduate of Northeast Catholic High School, LaSalle College and Villanova Law School.
He is survived by his wife Lillian (nee Cunning); daughter, Nancy Weidner (John) of Annan-dale NJ, and son, William J. O'Brien (Jane Horton). He was the beloved grandfather of Grace Weidner and Bernice O'Brien. He is also survived by brothers, James (Mary), the late Dominic (Eleanor) and Joseph O'Brien (Linda); sisters, Mary DiCondina (Dominic), Susan Zimmerman, Kathleen Ferguson, Mildred and Fran O'Brien; his uncle and dear friend, Dominic Leone (Beatrice); many nieces and nephews and his Conrad O'Brien family.
Relatives, friends and colleagues are invited to call on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., Phila. PA, from 9:30 to 11 A.M. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11 A.M. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to Villanova Law School-Class of 1962 or LLM Program in Trial Advocacy at James Beasley School of Law at Temple University.
(JACOB F. RUTH)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM O'BRIEN
Fred Budd
March 30, 2025
I remember Mr. O'Brien as being the friend of his son Billy. I remember running football plays in the back yard at their E. Gowen Ave home. I have also learned of the passing of Mrs. and Billy as well. I am so sorry to hear of this. Nancy, I hope this finds you well and to let you know of the fond memories and friendship I have of your family. Fred
James McKernan
May 3, 2020
Billy and Mickey O Brien were both fine profesional men and indeed sources of inspiration to me growing up in Germantown. I lament both of their deaths at such a young age. I loved them and continue to love one very much in the family to whom I was wed. Professor Jim McKernan, Cillin Liath, Mastergeehy,County Kerry, Republic of Ireland.
Lisa Potts
February 6, 2013
Lillian,
I am so sorry for the loss of Bill. Something or someone made me think of you & I decided to search for you and I found this page. My heart goes out to you & your family. I think of you often. May he rest in peace~
In light & Love,
Lisa Potts
May 15, 2012
On behalf of the extended McKernan family I offer our deepest condolences to Billy's family. Billy was a role model for me as a successful attorney who sought justice through the law. Peace be his.
Dr. Jim McKernan
Professor
Greenville, North Carolina
ANTHONY GIORDANO
May 9, 2012
I just would like to offer my deepest sympathy to all of your family for the loss of Bill. We may have lost touch, but I will never forget the memories of your family and growing up in Germantown. He was very friendly with my late father. May he rest in peace.
Amy Freese
May 9, 2012
I worked with Bill nearly 30 years ago. He taught me so much about how to live life, approach the law and to always do the right thing as I saw it. He was so smart and funny and loving and quirky. He taught me much about compassion and patience. Sometimes I helped keep him on the straight and narrow -- well, a little. We didn't see much of each other in recent years and I will always regret that. He is someone who had a profound effect on my life and I hope he's somewhere sunny and wonderful making someone crazy.
Cindy Lapsley
May 9, 2012
What a wonderful person never to busy to stop and listen,or to take a call. I will miss him here at the Horizon Beach House with our Morning coffee and danish.My Deepest Sympathy for all your Family.
Love Cindy
John Taulane
May 9, 2012
I will always remember Bill with a smile on his face. He was a good guy and good friend.
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Funeral services provided by:
Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors, Inc.8413 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118-3366
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