O'Brien Joe

MSGT John Joseph "Joe" O'Brien, U.S. Army, Retired, of Stafford passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Stafford Hospital. Joe was born on July 19, 1938 in County Mayo, Ireland to John and Bridget O'Brien. As a young man he trained to be a carpenter in his hometown of Islandeady before immigrating to the United States and settling in Chicago, Ill. In 1958 Joe joined the U.S. Army where he served with distinction for almost 29 years. Joe was a proud Vietnam Veteran who earned many medals and citations during his military career including The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with Palm), Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), and Sharpshooter Ribbon. After retiring from the Army he continued to work for several years as a warehouse manager at Abel Industries. Joe was an avid sports fan. He loved Gaelic Football and hurling, as well as all Chicago Teams, reveling in the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Title! Survivors include his loving children, son Wayne O'Brien and daughter Tara Gramm; son-in-law Erik Gramm; grandson Sean Gramm; brothers Tommy O'Brien and his wife, Nora, and Frank O'Brien; sister Pauline O'Brien; former wife and mother of his children Daphne Evans and her spouse, Roger Evans; and numerous nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held at Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fisher House Foundation. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Stafford Hospital who cared for Joe during his final days. Online guestbook available at covenantfuneralservice.com.