Terrence J. O'Brien

Terrence J. O'Brien obituary, Chicago, IL

Terrence J. O'Brien

Terrence O'Brien Obituary

Visit the Chicago Tribune website to view the full obituary.
The Honorable Terrence J. "Terry" O'Brien, 64, retired President and Commissioner of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, lifelong Chicago resident, passed away peacefully in his home on February 28, 2021, surrounded by his family. Loving husband to Julie (nee James) for 33 years. Proud father of Kevin, Therese and Patrick. Beloved brother of Cathy (Bill) Eggebrecht, Greg O'Brien, John (Jean) O'Brien, Bill (the late Mary Carol) O'Brien. Cherished son of the late William and Mary Therese. Fond brother-in-law, an awesome uncle to many nieces and nephews, as well as dear friend of many.

Terry spent all his life living in Chicago. He attended grade school at St. Hilary's, Loyola Academy High School and John Carroll University in Ohio. He moved to Edgebrook with his wife Julie in 1989 raising three children and where St. Mary of the Woods Parish community became a significant part of his life. Throughout his lifetime, Terry formed hundreds of lasting friendships and relationships. Terry retired in 2012 from the M.W.R.D.G.C after 24 years. His professional accomplishments were countless. His greatest achievement was focusing on the completion of the Deep Tunnel. A well-known fact is that Terry never missed a Board of Commissioners meeting in his 24 years of service. Upon his retirement, the Northside Treatment plant was renamed Terrence J O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant honoring his years of hard work and dedication to the people of Cook County, the employees of the District and always doing what was best for the District.

Visitation Thursday, March 4 from 3-8pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago IL 60646. Due to covid-19 restrictions only 50 guests will be allowed in the chapel at one time and masks must be worn. Mass of the Resurrection will be private as well as Interment at All Saints Cemetery. To view a Live Stream of the Mass please visit Terry's memorial page at www.smithcorcoran.com. More info 773-736-3833

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Terry's name to Misericordia, 6300 N Ridge Ave., Chicago IL 60660 or www.misericordia.com.

Sign Terrence O'Brien's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 24, 2022

Lee Preston posted to the memorial.

March 7, 2021

Anne & Tom Ruedi and family posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2021

The Bukala Family planted trees.

Lee Preston

February 24, 2022

You could not find a more decent, friendly, kind and nice person than Terry O´Brien in or out of government or politics. At the same time he was incredibly knowledgeable and professional as president of the Metropolitan Sanitary District.

My condolences and warm thoughts go out to his family.

Lee Preston

Anne & Tom Ruedi and family

March 7, 2021

To Julie Kevin Therese and Patrick brothers Greg, John , Cathy ,and Bill, and your nieces and nephews: Our condolences for the loss of an amazing brother in law from a most wonderful family! We love you Terry and will miss you forever. May Our Lord lead you into paradise and Our blessed mother bring consolation to your loved ones . Peace and love .

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

The Bukala Family

Planted Trees

Roy McMahon

March 5, 2021

When I moved to Hillary's for 4th grade, Terry was already a leader. Seemed he always ended up team captain. I don't think anyone was surprised how far he went in life. A solid friend that would be there if you needed him.

William Drevant

March 5, 2021

I could spend pages talking about Terry. But, will just say he was good friend & I will miss him

Lisa and John Hendrickson

March 3, 2021

This is the loss of a very special person- an unassuming, dedicated, solid person who always had a smile on his face. He will be missed!
Prayers for his wonderful family, especially Julie, Kevin, Therese and Patrick.

Jerry and Christina OConnor

March 3, 2021

Heartfelt condolences to the O´Brien family.

George and Anne Dykes

March 3, 2021

To Terry's wife and children, brothers Greg, Bill, and the rest of Terry's siblings, nieces and nephews: Our condolences for the loss of an amazing son from a most wonderful family!

Mary McFadden

March 3, 2021

Very sad news. Julie, I am so so sorry for your loss.
Mary McFadden
Hillsboro Beach, FL

mary r vartabedian

March 2, 2021

Prayers being sent to JULIE KEVIN AND PATRICK. We are truly sorry to hear the news of your husband and father passing. He was always a friendly face in the crowd, and a smile that made neighbors feel connected. A nice man gone too soon.

Lee Preston

March 2, 2021

Terry was a dedicated public servant who took his job and his responsibilities very seriously and he also was a most friendly and descent man. My heart and thoughts go out to his wife and family. He passed way too early and will surely be sadly missed.

James Jennings

March 2, 2021

Terry was a noble and true blue in every sense of those words. My condolences to his family and many friends.

The Flynns

March 2, 2021

Julie, our hearts are breaking for you and the kids. May God continue to Bless you and give you strength during this trying time. We love you.

John Kozicki 80

March 1, 2021

I have many great memories of Terry. We were both Blue Streaks on the football team together. He always had a smile and a handshake plus a joke to go along with his good sense of humor. He will be missed.

Bridget Fitzgerald

March 1, 2021

Thoughts and prayers to the entire O'Brien family. We share your pain in this great loss and difficult time to mourn. Thank you for all of Terry's service to many communities.

Tom and Nancy Wallenhorst

March 1, 2021

We remember Terry fondly from our JCU Days! He was always nice to everyone he met! Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire O´Brien family!

Thomas Simmons

March 1, 2021

God bless a great person.

John & Joanne Blumenshine

March 1, 2021

Terry was a wonderful person and a great friend. He will be missed. Rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers to Julie and the kids.

Sr. Rosemary & the Residents of Misericordia

February 28, 2021

Our sympathy and special prayers for Terry and all his family and friends.

The Ballards

February 28, 2021

Our condolences to the entire O´Brien family. Terry was a wonderful friend and neighbor and we´re going to miss him.

Frank Gardner

February 28, 2021

Terry was a great man and a good friend. God bless the O'Brien family.

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Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

6150 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

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Sign Terrence O'Brien's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 24, 2022

Lee Preston posted to the memorial.

March 7, 2021

Anne & Tom Ruedi and family posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2021

The Bukala Family planted trees.