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Francis O'Brien Obituary
Born Feb. 26, 1933, in Scranton, son of the late Dr. Michael G. and Rosella Kelly O'Brien, he graduated from Scranton Preparatory School in 1950. He was a member of the Good Shepherd Church and served in the Navy from 1954 to 1956.
He began his lifelong dedication to all things Penn State as a member of the school of hotel and restaurant administration, class of 1954; and Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. He was a field director at the Penn State Alumni Association when he retired in 1998. He volunteered for the American Red Cross, the Sports Museum at Penn State, the Penn State Alumni Association and at Good Shepherd Church. He was an avid swimmer and a member the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society, the Nittany Lion Club and the Quarterback Club.
Frank's quick wit, enthusiasm for Penn State sports, Ireland and the beach regularly brought the family together for football weekends in Happy Valley, summers at the shore and great O'Brien family reunions. His oratory skills made him a highly sought-after speaker. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Also surviving are five children, Molly and husband, Frank Jackman, Kensington, Md.; Timothy and wife, Kyong Mi, Houston; Katy and husband, Bill Tegethoff, Clarksburg, Md.; Sharon O'Brien, Annapolis, Md.; and Christopher O'Brien and wife, Seunghee Lee, Silver Spring, Md.; a brother, John and wife, Elizabeth, Clearwater, Fla.; a sister, Rosemarie and husband, John Cleaver, Wayne, Pa.; six grandchildren, Caroline, Conor and Margaret Jackman; Peter and Brooke Tegethoff; and Yuna O'Brien; a brother-in-law, James Moorhead, Cleveland, Ohio; many nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers: Michael, Thomas and Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Good Shepherd Church, State College, by the Rev. Philip Bender.
Visitation will be Friday, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Home Nursing Agency, 201 Chestnut Ave., P.O. Box 352, Altoona, PA 16603-0352; or Good Shepherd Church, P.O. Box 8186, State College, PA 16805. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences to the family, visit www.heintzelmanfuneral home.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis O'Brien
Michelle Sutton
November 29, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I remember meeting both of you when I first moved to State College more than 25 years ago. You were members of the Women's Welcome Club pinochle group. I remember how devoted the two of you were to each other. Later, when both my children attended your preschool Frank always had a kind word to say in passing when I would drop off the children. May God Bless all of the family.
S Haupt
May 14, 2009
I worked with Frank at the PSAA. He was PSU's biggest fan! He will be greatly missed by many Penn Staters. It was definitely a pleasure to know FX. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Char Myers
May 11, 2009
I am so sad upon hearing of Frank's passing. I worked with Frank for 12 years and he could always make me laugh and was such a wonderful man and a delight to work with. I have such fond memories of him and it was a pleasure to know him.
Rayna Wendell
May 5, 2009
It was great fun to work with Frank at Penn State. He was a dedicated alum and a sincerely kind man. It was an honor to have known him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Marie Mollo
May 4, 2009
Dear Marge and family,
Although we did not know Frank, we were sorry to hear of his passing. Seeing him each Sunday in church with you made us aware of his couragous and long fight.
You are both in our prayers and thoughts.
Richard and Marie Mollo
Molly (Crossan) Harty
May 2, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. I knew Frank when I was a Lion Ambassador at Penn State (1986-88), and he was such a friendly, funny and kind man. We all enjoyed time spent with him. He was a sweetheart.
Brad Johnson
May 2, 2009
To Aunt Marge, All of the Clan O'Brien (not enough to room to list all of you) and all who were fortunate enough to have know Frank O'Brien (FX) I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to you.
Having known Frank for such a brief 18 years I can only say no man has lived a life more to the fullest.
He touched so many lives deeply and completely. Frank showed a sincere interest in all whom he met, if even for the first time. He had the innate and rare ability to make you feel as if you had known him for years. Frank was always interested in knowing more about how your life was going than giving you a detailed account of his own life since you last saw him. One of the many abilities he has passed own to his children I am proud to say.
Today you will all hear much said about Frank. My guess is that today it will not be so much as what is said which will be remembered at the celebration of his life and the mourning of his passing; But more likely, what goes unsaid and is seen on the faces and felt in the hearts of all those who knew and loved Frances Xavier O'Brien.
With Love to Marge, all of the Clan O'brien and All who knew Frank,
Brad
Perk and Tammy Perkins
May 1, 2009
Marge and family, we are blessed to have known Frank for many years. Perk, I and the kids have many fond memories together with you and Frank. Tonight we drink some Chardonnay with crackers and recall his many one liners. Much love, The Perkins Gang - Perk, Tammy, Kiera, Brighid and Colman
Ed Boksan
April 30, 2009
I know Frank will be dearly missed by many. I had the great pleasure of working for the Penn State Alumni Association in Frank's office in the late 1980's. Frank always took time to talk with me and other Lion Ambassadors he came in contact with during his day. His sense of humor made those around him feel at ease. He was a great guy who will be missed by all who knew him.
Kelly Maloney Frager
April 30, 2009
I met Frank while a Lion Ambassador at Penn State in the late 80's. He always had a smile and kind words to share. I was very fond of him. I'm so sorry for such a temendous loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen & Tom Kearney
April 30, 2009
Marge and family, prayers have been lifted up for all of you. Frank will be missed by many as he left his footprints on the many lives his life touched. May you find peace and comfort as you share your memories of Frank as this is how he will continue to live - in our hearts. As you remain in our prayers may God cover you with his peace and comfort your sorrow and pour out his grace to you all. With sad hearts,
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