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Christopher John O’Brien
Christopher John O’Brien
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Christopher O’Brien Obituary
Chris was the son of the late Robert D. and Margaret S. O'Brien. He was born in the Park Hill neighborhood of Yonkers, NY, where he grew up. In 1986, Chris moved with his wife and children to Atlanta, GA, where he lived for 35 years.
He will be remembered first and foremost as exceptionally funny and warm. He had a remarkable way with people, who were continually drawn toward his gentle and welcoming charm. Chris was, in the words of his brother, Merrill, "Very lovable, extremely well-liked by his groups, and fun to hang with."
Endlessly kind and hilarious, he leaves behind many cherished memories of love and laughter. He will be deeply missed by family and friends, and we forever hold this dear and precious man in our hearts.
Private services to be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Merrill O'Brien
January 9, 2024
Chris was my twin, in a way, from the few years we watched The Munsters and the Adams Family together in our front enclosed breezy porch in Yonkers, withs legs close to the electric heater, on winter weekday evenings. He was in high school and I was in grammer school. There was no better way to get ready for dinner. And even before that warm ritual Chris made my third grade by getting the class recessed for a special event in the school auditorium. Somehow he and three buddies convinced the staid Sisters of Charity at St. Dennis School to allow the four of them to lypsinc "I want to hold your hand", on stage before the entire school, within weeks of the song´s launch. In Beetle wigs and grey suits they brought the house down, and my big bro gave me school yard bragging rights for weeks.
I was in fifth grade when we delivered Chris to Lemoyne College. I heard parental rumblings about a new page being turned when dormmates said Chris could not come to the phone because he was at the library. I was concerned. Chris, my adopted twin, was the person who made everyone feel welcomed and alive. No pretensions. Come on in. Great to see ya. What can I get ya. Was he caving to Jesuit pressure to read literature and understand electrons? I took hope in the semester breaks when Chris seemed to be himself. Old friends, new friends, tons of get togethers, music, summers of fun. My concern was satisfied when we picked him up at Lemoyne graduation. Mom and dad asked for a recommendation for a place to eat and toast the graduate, and we were directed to The Library where, it turns out, Chris was well known as a bartender, and warmly welcomed.
After college, Chris turned his exquisite personability and warmth into good sales numbers. He worked hard. When I angsted over how to make a living, and whether I could make it in sales, Chris wisely let me know how hard it was. We would play act. He´d be the salesman cold calling my office to sell, say, a new phone system. I´d throw up rude rejections of various flavors. Incredibly, he could divert anything, keep the tone upbeat, and convince me my office needed his phone system. This Teflon sales demeanor became his default persona, at times, but he always came through with genuine companionship. He´d tell me how he´d arrive home Friday evenings after a week on the road selling, and go into shutdown mode, until the road called again Monday morning. It was rough. He kept doing his best, committed to support the family which sustained him.
In the Peg and Bud O´Brien family kudos were earned with academics which were not Chris´ calling. Chris had to pioneer his own trail without backwinds even though our dad also made his living in sales. As a result, Chris learned, and taught me, that it´s ok to be who you are. For this, I am eternally grateful. Chris also taught me that finding a solid partner who can create your own family can open some wonderful doors.
Everyone should be so lucky to have such a terrific big brother twin.
Mary OBrien
January 4, 2024
Chris and Mary.. my favorite memory.
Mary OBrien
January 3, 2024
Mary OBrien
January 3, 2024
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Mary OBrien
January 3, 2024
Mary OBrien
January 3, 2024
Mary OBrien
January 3, 2024
Mary OBrien
January 3, 2024
The loss of my brother Chris is a huge loss for our family. Chris was a spoke in the wheel that kept the O´Brien car always in motion, whether moving over rough patches and smooth sailing, but it was always the six of us. What is my first memory of Chris? Well, look at the picture of Gretchen and me sitting on the couch, looking at the arrival of this new member of our family, and Gretchen going," oh no, the two of us are in trouble; we´re not gonna be the center of attention anymore, and Mary thinking, "thank God I´m not the youngest anymore." We thought that was it; no more surprises. But, lo and behold within the next four years, along came three more brothers, and, ""then we were six!" the next picture speaks to my 2nd memory of Chris. Being an OBrien, meant always being dressed as a family to compete in the 4th of July parade in Quonnie. and Chris was the mad Hatter in our family theme. "Alice in Wonderland" Look at his face and look at that hat and you could imagine he was thinking.,"When am I gonna get rid of this stupid hat?" But he was a good sport, and a team player and participated in all the crazy activities adding laughter and fun to the weekend charade games as well as the Advent family rosary sessions, ( often getting us of us in trouble for laughing.) There were many good and funny times like the birthday cake scene as we were growing up.
I remember the four boys and the camaraderie they enjoyed as they competed against one another and with one another.
Look at them after a tennis match of Merrill and Chris against Jerry and John (who at that time had the McEnroe/Connors reputation.) Merrill and Chris even with a second hand, duct-taped racquet beat them. Chris didn´t compete in school athletics, but he always rose to the occasion showing his enormous talent in many different areas from sports to ice cream eating contests, to the weekend
gatherings of charades at O´Brien house on Neptune Ave.
My most endearing remembrance of Chris is reflected this little picture that he and I took in one of those photograph booths at the Misquamicut arcade! (I can´t believe that 70 years later, I still have it!). and I I remember when we took it; I remember how close we were growing up , because, after all Gretchen, Mary, and Chris were soon replaced in affection and attention when Jerry, Jon and Merrill came along. Chris was the head of the male members of the O´Brien, family, and he maintained that position throughout his life - being a powerful influence on all of us - being the consummate salesman getting us to go along with his ideas always using laughter and joy to sway us to his take on life! Chris was that to so many people! So my final picture and memory is this picture of us, together, happy and carefree enjoying a rainy day outing culminating in ice cream at Dusty´s Dairy bar! I was probably five at the time and he was three or I was six and he was four. It doesn´t matter. It´s the memory that matters! It´s all these precious Chris memories that keeps hm here in all of our hearts. Now I envision him re-creating the same picture in heaven with Peg and Bud , looking down on all of us and all of you and remembering with his infectious smile many fun memories growing up in the O´Brien family. What a wonderful brother, he will be sorely missed.
Erin Celico
January 3, 2024
Will miss Chris´s great smile and ability to joke even when he wasn´t feeling his best. He shared some great stories and always was so appreciative of even the smallest early morning treats (I.e. a nice cold Coca Cola) My condolences to Claire and the entire O´Brien family. He will be missed!
Erin
January 3, 2024
It was always such a joy to see Chris´s smiling face in the morning. He will be greatly missed. And "the cafe" will always be open even if all he wanted was a coke :)
Lauren Fischer
January 2, 2024
More than 37 years of friendship with his daughter, Kristin, and never a visit went by without a hug, laughter and tons of jokes. He will be missed and cherished always.
Gretchen
January 2, 2024
Chris ALWAYS made us laugh! That was his gift to our family. He was been born with the gene for Irish wit and we all loved him for it.
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