Name: Celebration of Life for Sean R. O'Brien
Start: 2018-09-14T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.

Sean R. O' Brien, who practiced medicine in the fields of allergy and immunology in Baltimore for nearly 40 years, died on September 10, 2018 at the age of 68. He is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Eileen O'Brien; his daughter, Hilary O'Brien Cleveland; his son-in-law, Joshua Cleveland, and four beloved, spoiled cats. He was preceded in death by his son, Francis Springer O'Brien, and his parents, Robert F. O'Brien and Catherine C. O'Brien. Dr. O'Brien graduated from Notre Dame University in 1971 and received his medical degree from the University of Chicago in 1975. He was a fellow in the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. O'Brien loved classical music, travel, beaches, snorkeling in Maui, arguing about politics, and especially cooking. Over the last five years, he became an accomplished chef in cuisines ranging from Korean and Indian to French, Italian, and classic Maryland seafood. Dr. O'Brien spent the last days of his life enjoying a five day vacation in Maine, watching whales, eating lobsters, and enjoying the magnificent scenery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital In memory of Francis Springer O'Brien, Alley cat Allies or Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Baltimore. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Sterling Ashton Schwab Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc 1630 Edmondson Ave. Catonsville, MD 21228. Interment in Druid Ridge Cemetery immediately following the service. On line memorials may be made at

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Published by Baltimore Sun on Sep. 13, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Sean O'Brien

Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.

17 Entries

Star

March 8, 2022

This is still so hard for me. I heard about the passing of Dr. O' Brien in 2020 when I thought I was coming in the office to see him. I've nevered in my life cried as much as I did. He was very loving, and so kind hearted. Wow, he was just Amazing! Very funny.He really saved my son's life. He was the ONLY doctor,after literally seeing 6 in, and out of hospitals what was actually wrong with my son. He even told me I will take care of your son. I promise when you come back to me I will have all your answers. Your son will be well again. My first time meeting him he told me all of this. He will even call to check on us. I wish he was still here I will be forever grateful for him,and I will Never forget Dr. O' Brien. He was our angel our Blessing! My heart,and prayers are still with the family.I wish I can one day meet his wife,or children just so I can say thank you ~Forever in our hearts~ The Carter family.

Joyce Sica

March 27, 2019

I just heard of Dr. O's passing today when I called the office for an apt. I am so very sorry. He was a caring doctor & wonderful man. When I moved to MD 40 years ago & my allergies when haywire, he was my saving grace. He will be sorely missed. -Joyce Sica

Kim Lewis

September 24, 2018

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. O'Brien when I called to make an appointment with him. He has been my doctor for over 27 years. He always took his time with me engaging in lively discussions of current events, politics and our families. There was a time when I started a new job and my insurance had not become effective and I needed to see him. He charged me only a fraction of what the visit would have cost. He was a kind and caring person. I will surely miss him.

ALBERT SHERMAN

September 16, 2018

I'm extremely sorry that I missed the news of Dr. Obrien's passing. He was my allergist for many years. More than that he was a friend and fellow liberal! We spent a great deal of time discussing politics. He keep me healthy and I don't think I will ever have a physician as knowledgeable and caring as him. My sincere condolences to his family.

Martha Siegel

September 16, 2018

I am shocked and saddened at the news. Dr. OBrien and I had many wonderful conversations about politics and his love and concern for his family. I will surely miss him both as my doctor and as an enlightened conversationalist. My condolences to all who loved him.

September 15, 2018

Sean was a dear friend from our years at the U of MD hospital. He had a wonderful sense of humor during the rigors of hospital life.
Eileen and he had lovely Thanksgiving dinners for many of us.
I will miss him.
Bob Meny

September 14, 2018

With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22

September 14, 2018

Dr O'brien was our allergist for close to 35
years. We continued to see him even in his semi- retirement. He was such a caring Doctor who took the time to really listen to you. He always made himself available to discuss medical problems you were having. During our visits we also discussed classical music, politics and many other topics . We considered him not only our doctor but our friend . They don't make doctors today like Dr. O'brien. We am sorry we couldn't make it to the services.

We offer the family my greatest sympathy.

The medical world and the world in general has lost a great one. He will be sorely missed.

Alan and Tova Taragin

Christine Roach

September 13, 2018

So sorry to hear of Dr O'Briens passing. Both of my children were his patients many years ago. He was kind and I enjoyed my conversations with him..

Michele Elover

September 13, 2018

I was a patient of Dr O'Brien. My cousin, late Martin Levin recommended him.He was an excellent doctor and was down to earth. Had very interesting conversations.. he would also discuss his parents were at a nursing home since my mother & in laws were at nursing home. Myfather in law died over a week ago. If I caLLED him on SunDAY. I WAS SICK HE SAID COME EARLY Monday MORNING.hE TOOK LOTS OF TIME WITH HIS PATIENTS EVEN WHEN THERE WERE LOT OF PATIENTS. I AM THANKFUL HE WROTE ME A NOTE FOR ME TO HAVE HANDICAPPED PARKING TAGS BECAUSE OF MY ASTHMA. IT IS BAD AT TIMES TO BREATHE TO WALK FAR. I RECOMMENDED HIM TO MY FRIENd Adele Cook. I hope my future allergist is just as compassionate & understanding as he was. doctors need to take lessons from Dr O'Brien of how to treat patients physically & mentally, to make them feel at ease when visiting a doctor and not always demanding money immediately. I am fortunate to pay doctor bills but some people are unfortunate. Wish insurance paid complete bill. Will miss him a lot. Hope my future doctor has his same attitude. My previous allergist Dr Lavenstein also died. Dr O'Brien told me he was a student under DrLavenstein. Hope he treats people in heaven like he treated people here Michele Elover

Beverly and Robert Lipsky

September 13, 2018

To the family of Sean OBrian
Bob and I extend our deepest sympathy.
We have been patients of Dr.Obrian since he
tookover Dr. Shermans practice many years ago.
We enjoyed talking about our milestones, current events and many delicious recipes!
May his kind, intelligent, caring soul rest in peace

Michele Elover

September 13, 2018

I was a patient of Dr O'Brien. Mycousin,late Martin Levin told me about him. My previous allergist Dr Lavenstein also died. Dr O'Brien told me he was a student of DrLavenstein. Dr O' Brien was an excellent dr & spent lots of time with me even though he was busy. I could call him on sunday & he said come Monday morning. I also recommended him to my friend, Adele Cook. I hope my future allergist is just as understanding & accomadating as he was and takes interest with my asthma and allergies. He was also a down to earth person. We would talk about other things in the world. He always discussed when his parents were in a nursing home because my mother and in-laws were in a nursing home. Myfather-in law just passed away and I hope he meets all these people in heaven.

September 13, 2018

To the family of Sean R. O'Brien I would like to express my condolence to you may the God of comfort bring comfort to you with his right arm extended to you Isa.41:10

Peninah (Taragin) Gershman

September 13, 2018

Dr. O'Brien was my allergist for many years both as a child and an adult. He was kind and caring and always took time with me. I moved away from Baltimore several years ago and he still asked my father about me regularly. I am so sorry to hear that he passed away and I wish his family my deepest condolences.

Larry Hankin

September 13, 2018

As a former patient of Dr. O'Brien I am shocked and saddened to hear of his loss. Dr. O'Brien was always available to his patients on short notice. He was very nice and was always professional. I always found him to be very caring toward his patients and he will be greatly missed.

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