WILLIAM O'BRIEN

William Edward O'Brien

Age 81, of Centerville, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, May 7, 2010.

Bill was born in Brookport, IL, the son of the late John Lee O'Brien and Margaret Sounders O'Brien. In 1950 he came to Wilmington as an employee of Bethlehem Steel and worked on the first span of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. He founded Falcon Steel Co. in 1965, and over the next 45 years, Falcon Steel Co. along with Helmark Steel, Inc. founded by Bill's wife, Helen O'Brien, in 1969, became one of the nation's leading fabricators and erectors of structural steel-a true testament to their success.

Among the more notable projects in the Falcon/Helmark joint portfolio are the Chase Manhattan Building, the Hercules Building and the Bracebridge Projects in Wilmington; the Kimmel Performing Arts Center, the Bell Atlantic Tower and Liberty II Tower in Philadelphia; and the 7 World Trade Center, the Museum of Modern Art and the Jet Blue Airlines Terminal in New York.

Bill is survived by his wife, Helen (Rybienski) with whom he shared almost 60 years of marriage; his son, John E. O'Brien; his grandchildren, Liam and Maura O'Brien and extended family and friends.

Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his commitment to his company and its employees. Bill was extremely active at Falcon Steel and still worked every day at the time of his passing. He was a model example of the American entrepreneurial spirit and the success that can result with hard work and determination. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and will be truly missed.

Friends may call at the MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Limestone and Milltown Roads on Friday afternoon from 3-5 pm. Services will begin at 4 pm. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com

302-652-5913