Monsignor William B. O'Brien
1924 - 2014
Monsignor William B. O'Brien
1924 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1924
DIED
2014
William O'Brien Obituary
Monsignor William B. O'Brien died October 19 at St. Pius X Church in Scarsdale, N.Y. He was 90. Monsignor was a seminal figure in residential drug treatment and earned worldwide recognition and appreciation for his pioneering work in this field. That day over 50 years ago when he founded Daytop changed the way we view and treat addiction. He was also co-founder of the World Federation of Therapeutic Communities which he guided into a global movement establishing treatment programs in countries throughout the world. A trusted adviser to heads of state, as well as to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, Monsignor O'Brien helped shape policies that have radically improved treatment programs around the world. He was the author of the highly acclaimed book, "You Can't Do It Alone: The Daytop Way To Make Your Child Drug Free", published numerous papers in national and international journals, and inspired generations of treatment professionals. All the while he remained at heart a simple parish priest as deeply devoted to his parishioners at St. Brendan's in the Bronx as he was to the residents in treatment and their families. A truly extraordinary man of staggering faith, integrity, warmth, and loyalty whose impact on drug treatment has been profound and lasting. Monsignor O'Brien's enduring legacy will be his selfless dedication to saving young lives and his unswerving devotion to his church and God. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Pius X Church, 91 Secor Road, Scarsdale, N.Y. on Saturday, October 25 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Pius X Church.
Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Homes
824 Scarsdale Ave.
Scarsdale NY 10583
914-725-1137
www.elbennettfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Catherine Jackson
February 24, 2019
I just want to say thank you sitting here going over my life 23 years later I'm still drug free have never relapse and have so much love and respect for you and daytop staff again I thank you and will always be indebted to you love and respect continue resting in peace oh and by the way I'm a foster parent now
Teresa Zolkos
October 20, 2017
Monsignor's last letter to me is something that I will always treasure. I take great comfort in his closing words.. 'you may be far away, but you are always close to my heart. And though I may not be able to be in touch as often as you or I would like, rest assured that I'm happy, very much at peace, and well taken care of"
He is indeed very well taken care of at home in Heaven, but he will always be loved and missed by the people who had the good fortune to know him on earth.
Rest in peace my friend. I love you!
Jim Salerno
October 19, 2017
Today we recognize Msgr. O'Brien's 3rd anniversary in Heaven. His life & legacy are well-known, and live on in many ways: Our fond memories of him as a wonderful parish priest; his humor; his knowledge of many things - including sports! But mostly for the many lives he SAVED & touched through his founding and work @ Daytop. Thank You Monsignor, may you continue to Rest In Peace (to a future Saint!).
Mikki Schleininger
March 1, 2017
R.I.P Monsignor.
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Joey Salerno
March 1, 2017
As we celebrate Ash Wednesday, I always remember Msgr O'Brien! He gave out ashes at lightning speed, just like he did with Communion. Great memories!
Special thanks to Jim Salerno for keeping this obit online permanently, and his quest to make Msgr a Saint (which WILL happen).
wonderfulwinston edwards
February 28, 2017
I was bless to have know Father since 1970 Father was always giving me a bless kiss on my forhead. I was given my Dipoma by Father at his Madison ave office.May he rest in peace.
Lou Anne Johnson
February 28, 2017
Today would have made 29 years of service with Daytop . What a blessing you have been in my life and continue to be .I miss your letters , your words of encouragement and love . I love and miss you .
winston edwards
December 26, 2016
I will always keep Father in my prayers.
Mikki Schleininger
December 26, 2016
Merry Christmas Monsignor....RIP so many wonderful memories...
Catherine Jackson
December 25, 2016
Thank you for all you do and have done so many people 11 great lives because of you
Catherine Jackson
October 20, 2015
Thank you for loving us enough to start a program that saved so many lives you're gone but will never be forgotten
Teresa Zolkos
October 20, 2015
Msgr,
You will never be forgotten. I know that the good Lord is right beside you, and you are still looking out for all of us.
We were truly blessed to have known you.
Love and prayers always.
Joey Salerno
October 20, 2015
Amen Jimmy! Watching football every Sunday reminds me of how he would tell the entire congregation who our (Altar boys) favorite football teams were. He wasn't the reason that I became an Altar Boy, but he was the reason that I remained one. Happy Anniversary in Heaven Msgr.
Jim Salerno
October 19, 2015
Let's ALL remember the good Monsignor on his first anniversary in Heaven. He is truly missed and we now pray TO him. Pray with me, that Msgr may continue to Rest In Peace. With our thanks & love.....
Julia Gebbia
September 20, 2015
I guess you probably always knew this but you gave me everything I missed as a child. Even years after graduating you were there for me. Thanks you.
Catherine Jackson
September 19, 2015
just want to let you know you are not forgotten
catherine Jackson
January 3, 2015
just thinking about you and missing your gentle touch on my cheek
Julia Gebbia
January 3, 2015
Msgr. O"Brien was a very special man whose warmth and understanding helped me through many storms. I am so grateful to have known him and he will always be remembered.
Catherine Jackson
December 23, 2014
Merry Christmas Gone never forgotten may you rest Peace
Connie Koerner Kane
December 13, 2014
It is with deep sadness to just learn of my cousin Father Bill's passing! I will always remember his visits to my Mother(Joanne O'Brien)and his gifts of Blessed Mother statues,rosaries etc. for my sisters and I. May God Bless and keep you in his arms,Billy.
Dick and Carol Gunthert
November 21, 2014
We had the privilege of working with Msgr. O'Brien in bringing the Millbrook, NY facility to fruition and after it opened. He was a very special person. He left a permanent mark on the world and many are better off today because of his tireless efforts.
Larry Ashley
November 11, 2014
It is with profound sadness that I just learned of the passing of Monsignor O'Brien. I thank you Monsignor from the bottom of my heart for having founded and created Daytop so me and countless others could find new life and live it drug free. I will forever cherish my memories of you! Rest in Peace Monsignor!
we were so fortunate
Joe & Mary Helen Salerno
November 7, 2014
Happier Days with Msgr! He celebrated our wedding in May '93. He took time out of his extremely busy schedule to do a huge favor for a former Altar Boy. When I told him that we chose the readings, he asked "Are they from Sports Illustrated?" Amazingly funny man. God Bless "Saint William B"!
ISAAC International
November 6, 2014
On behalf of ISAAC International, Dr.Jean LaCour writes: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the Daytop and WFTC family. Monsignor O'Brien was truly a great man who changed the destiny of thousands of individuals and families across the globe. It is an honor to play a small part in the legacy he left behind. With deepest regard from the NET Institute and from the leadership and members of ISAAC across the world.”
Jean LaCour
November 3, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the Daytop and WFTC family. Monsignor O'Brien was truly a great man who changed the destiny of thousands of individuals and families across the globe. It is an honor to play a small part in the legacy he left behind. With deepest regard from the NET Institute and from the leadership and members of ISAAC across the world.
Msgr. still winning awards at 85!
James Salerno
November 1, 2014
FYI for those of you that may have missed this in the news. Msgr. was recognized by the NY Post in 2009 with a Lifetime Achievement Award & Liberty Medal for his co-founding & fine work at Daytop.
Michael Kerrigan
October 31, 2014
Monsignor O'Brien saved my life,in too many ways to count! I cherish my memories of him and the gifts he has given me.
Being the uncle i should be at my nieces b-day
Steve Caruso
October 30, 2014
Steve Caruso
October 30, 2014
I celebrate 10 years next month. Could not stay clean for 10 days until i found Daytop.I will always be grateful for being able to complete such an outstanding program.Thank you so much God will always bless you
Eddie L. Castillo Seagulls Flight Foundation, Inc.
October 30, 2014
It has been a lifelong travel - a travel marked with exceptional milestones of courage to venture into the unconventional, of helping and reaching out to people caught in the web of substance abuse and sharing the TC philosophy and way of life to organizations who live and breathe the TC modality and share the same advocacy as yours. SEAGULLS PHILIPPINES is one of them. You were our Master Teacher, a Jonathan Seagull who painstakingly labored and spread the beauty of a program that helped thousands all over the globe pick up the shattered pieces of their lives and bring them to a whole again.
Thank you for walking with is in our journey to recovery. We will miss your guidance and amiable ways. Like Jonathan Seagull, you soared to the Great Yonder but left us a legacy for us to nurture, develop and spread. We know that your guiding spirit and burning desire will stay with us forever as we heal ourselves and our families.
Thanks for the wisdom and inspiration but most of all for the lives we lost and have gotten back. You will be missed dearly!
With much love,
SEAGULLS FLIGHT FOUNDATION, INC. FAMILY
PHILIPPINES
Jim Herson
October 29, 2014
I served my first Mass at St. Brendan's Church with Monsignor O'Brian when I was in 4th Grade. He was a gracious, gentle and understanding man of great faith and possessed a sense of humor that put all at ease. He would often visit the classrooms of St. Brendan's Grade School and communicated his love of Christ and humanity to the students with great authenticity, even though the community was being rocked with the tumult of the chaos of the 1960s and impact of demographic changes in the Norwood area of the Bronx. His pioneering efforts at helping parishioners and others to get off drugs and regain their lives is a tribute to his strength of character and belief in the power of prayer and faith to overcome all obstacles. My wife and I were blessed when he officiated our wedding at St. Brendan's years after I had moved out of the Bronx and gone into the Army. He was among the very finest of men I have known in my life, and as a servant of God, the most genuine I have been privileged to be blessed by. Thank you for making my life better.
krishne Sornprom
October 28, 2014
Thank full for your kindness and worm well come .You are the one
That I never forget. RIP
Phoenix House
October 27, 2014
Dear Monsignor William B. O'Brien!
We, all of us – society, those in recovery, those in the business of helping substance use disordered individuals regain their lives in health care settings instead of jails, or shelters – owe you a great debt. You were one of the very first to see the need for compassionate care and rehabilitation as the only intelligent, may we add “cost-effective,” option to punishing those with a disease. You ACTED your ideas and founded Daytop – the grandfather of the treatment in-lieu-of- incarceration option – and inspired and trained others to follow you. You did not stop there, but took your ideas to New York's Governor and other public officials at every level to change the political paradigm. You left the world a much better place! Phoenix House alumni, staff and its Board of Directors salute you!”
Marc Weiler
October 27, 2014
Thank you, personally and professionally, for you vision, vigor, and will.
October 26, 2014
I will strive to follow your legacy...
Angela Menendez (Kingston, NY)
James McMann
October 26, 2014
I was an alter boy ate Most Precious Blood Church in Walden, NY. Father O'Brien was our church leader. He was an outstanding priest for our community. He will be missed by all.
Bruce Baum
October 25, 2014
One of a kind. What a guy. One of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. An unbelievable person to have dinner with and share your occurrences of the day. I always think of him in my daily prayers. I worked with him for years as treasurer of Daytop Foundation.
Ed Bond
October 25, 2014
Thanks for your compassion...I learned so much on all those drives upstate and around the city...you instilled hope in us all...
Steve
October 25, 2014
Thank you! Monsignor, for your unwavering devotion to helping people with addiction. "I was one of them". I will never forget meeting you some 40 years ago, when you came to visit us at Swan Lake. It was that day changed my life forever. I was at the lowest point of my life at the time and then you walked into the dining room. To me you were larger then life. You filled the room with an undescribable peace. When you spoke, you made us feel that everything was achievable, if you work at it. I suddenly realized that I belonged here. Daytop not only saved my life, but it helped me become the successful person that I am today. God Bless you dear friend
Barbara Allara De Rosa
October 25, 2014
God Bless you Frob. Karen and I will miss you a lot! You were our inspiration growing up and we always could count on you! Don't forget our famous saying because you were so tall, "Watch your head, pal". Rest in peace with God!
Barbara Allara De Rosa and Karen Allara Farragher
Andrew Arena
October 24, 2014
Monsignior,
You gave me an opprtunity that changed my life. I am forever grateful. I made some of my very best friends at Daytop. Your love and friendship has always been an inspiration to me and many others.
May God Bless you and Father Sebastian
Rose L
October 24, 2014
You changed my life ....I am a better person having known you .....in 1994 you married us ....it was a special day ....thank you!
Jesse Goswick
October 24, 2014
Because of you I'am alive, You gave us refuge from self. The courage to be confronted by other's. A safe place to suffer our secrets, our fears. No longer alone. Without you I would not have had the opportunity to get a GED, a CASAC, a wife, daughter, step son, a house a new car. More important than the material blessings you, you helped me to become a man of dignity and honor, far far from perfect. I would have died a painful lonely death. My addiction became a blessing in descize. I met you and so many dinamic men and women @ DAYTOP VILLAGE. Thank you and GOD BLESS you. He sure blessed me. Jesse Goswick
Happy Day
Louise Noll
October 24, 2014
October 24, 2014
My dear friend, I will miss you. However, I will remember that you were always a phone call away for over 50 years. My heart is broken but I know that you are up in heaven looking down on us.
Love, Rosemary
Christopher C. Allen
October 24, 2014
A Role Model, an Inspiration, an Angel sent straight from God. I have nothing but love and admiration for you. I once told you God knew I was coming to Daytop in 1995 so he had you start it back in 1963 when I was born. You laughed.... You took me under your wing. Made sure I was safe and in good hands. I will never forget and be forever grateful to you for all that you've done. It was because of your faith that mine was saved. If I could be half the man you were! Always love through your soft spoken voice and your secure embrace. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at your passing and at the same time, the shame I have for not being available to you these past few years. Forgive me Father.......and Rest in Heavenly Peace. You will be sorely missed.
George Hanze
October 24, 2014
with Gratitude from my family and myself.
we all 'grew-up' at Daytop. my son in Millbrook and myself in the Brooklyn Outreach.The Holistic approach of working with the family,client and staff is so healthy along with accountability.
I went on to become the president of the Daytop Family Assoc in the early 80's..and still use the tools I was taught to be a better person in life
Thank you Msgr, I will miss you with love,
Susan Madden Castillo
October 24, 2014
May the angels welcome you and may you rest in peace. You were a wonderful person, I will never forget you from your years at St. Brendan's.
Louis & Ann Maldonado
October 24, 2014
Your death has left a heartache that will be difficult to heal......
But the love you gave us, leaves sweet memories no one can steal.
May you rest in peace.
Georgia Peach
October 24, 2014
Msgr., Thank you very much for everything.
Thank you GOD for lending us your Angel... Now it's time for him to come home to YOU.
Msgr., you will forever be in our hearts. I Love You! <3
Eileen Fb
October 24, 2014
May you rest in peace it was a pleasure having you in my life and meeting you.
jeffrey gruber
October 24, 2014
i would surely be dead if it was not for you and the work you've done.God surely has a special place for you by his side,I love you father.
Ranjan Dhar
October 24, 2014
Ohhhh my god, that is a real bad news. All of a sudden we all are left alone. He was our guide and someone whom all of us looked up to. He was a true leader and a torch bearer. I remember when he once put his hand on my back. I felt a chill up my spine, I felt like my Father had put his hand on me, I felt his love nd warmth, I felt like I was secure....... I wanted him to never remove his hand from there. I still remember that I couldn't change that shirt that evening.
A void has been created and don't know how it will be fulfilled.
I hereby offer my sincere condolences and assure you that we all are with you in this hour of bereavement.
At Shafa, we will all hold a mass prayer tomorrow.
May God bestow him peace.
Ranjan
SHAFA
October 24, 2014
Monsignor O'Brien will be sorely missed. He was one who made a difference in this world. God bless him. May he rest in peace.
Damon Dorsey
Jonathan Rodriguez
October 23, 2014
You were such an inspiration. If I know the meaning of selflessness and charity it is because I had the opportunity to meet you. You never forgot a face, and I thank you so much for all the help. Your legacy saved my life. May you rest in peace and know that you are truly one of God's chosen people. Because of your work, the world changed for the better. God Bless You.
laurie orfe
October 23, 2014
In honor of his inspiring life and the countless lives he saved!
Voravit Chansiri
October 23, 2014
Msgr O'Brien, you are treasured in our hearts as a dedicated personality in TC. All Thais in TC circle are sending their sincere condolences for the great loss.
RIP.....Voravit Chansiri and Somnuck Rodprasert.
Helen ,, John Conroy's sister
October 23, 2014
Because of his obdeance to God he helped change millions of lives ,we all will forever be grateful to him .May his soul rest in peace .Thank you for giving us the opportunity to live again r.I.p.
October 23, 2014
A home and new family to thousands of lost souls. Thank you again!!!!!!
October 23, 2014
Thanking you for helping me and thousands of others.You will surly be welcome in God's kingdom for doing his work.
leon james
Donna Sullivan
October 23, 2014
He wasn't just about drug rehab, which I think was wonderful. I was in his first parish and knew him as Father O'Brien. He took each and every one of us at MPB under his wing and guided our way. I have to recall a personal thing that was remembered by Father for many years "it was George Parker" Father who spilled the ink". God Bless you.
My MENTOR forever!
Louis Maldonado
October 23, 2014
Louis Maldonado
October 23, 2014
You will always be in my heart. Because of you is who I am today. God Bless and may you forever rest in peace.
Anthony Scaduto
October 23, 2014
Monsignor,
May you rest in peace knowing that you have changed countless lives. The treatment world would not be what is without you. You have done wondrous things for those in need
October 23, 2014
Dear Monsigor, Thank God for me meeting you on 206st.Bainbridge Ave. Bronx. Every morning you would hand me your mail and I would drop it in the mail box. I'l miss you so much and thanks for making me the mayor of Bainbridge Ave. You did so much for everyone who asked for help. Martin Kennedy
Aloysius Joseph
October 23, 2014
Words are indeed few to capture the legacy of love and compassion you have left behind.
Monsignor, you have touched so many lives here and across the oceans. Each day, I am getting emails from across the world, recounting the difference you made to so many lives.
You are a truly a special gift to humanity, particularly to me and my family. My life and future would have taken a totally different path had it not been for your love.
I pray that I will have strength to do whatever I can, to pay forward and carry on your mission.
You are and forever a part of me, Espara and Adriana. We will forever be indebted to you.
Rest in peace, my dearest Monsignor.
AJ , Espara and Adriana
New York 2005
Martin Infante
October 23, 2014
Dear Monsignor,
You have been my inspiration and strength and I will miss you so much. I will miss writing and receiving letters from you, and being able to share our SELF Journal with you. Most of all, I will miss being able to share my growth and the growth of our organization with you. Know that I will follow in your foot steps and continue to help others until my time is also up. With much love,
SELF Rodeo Hills 1999
The SELF Family
October 23, 2014
Farewell, Monsignor O'Brien
We are saddened by the death of Monsignor O'Brien even as we know that everyone must pass away after spending their appointed time on this earthly plane. We take comfort in knowing that his was well spent and that he has left this world a better place for having instilled hope where despair once reigned.
The number of lives he touched in his special way must surely be legion. Among these is that of our founder Martin Infante who was so inspired by Monsignor's mentoring and friendship. During his trying times in recovery, Martin found solace and resolve in Monsignor's wisdom, most especially during the formation years of the Self Enhancement for Life Foundation.
We will always remember with fondness his visit to our facility as a special blessing. We will offer prayers for his eternal rest and anchor this in a re dedication of our community to the cause that he championed, which we commit to carry on with greater vigor and compassion.
With undying gratitude,
Doreen Formisano-Lockwood
October 23, 2014
Thank you for your legacy of love and compassion for individuals and families who struggle with addiction. Your dedication was an inspiration to me when I worked at the Hartsdale Daytop Outreach. I am the person and counselor I am because of you and your staff there. You have touched so many lives including mine. I will always remember you with fondness. Rest in Peace Father you will always be in our hearts.
William Delaney
October 23, 2014
Monsignor, because of you I am what I've become today. A father, husband, friend and teacher of those who still seek peace from addiction. Because of you thousands have achieved their goals and dreams. You gave me a home when I did not have one, you provided me a family when I was alone. You gave me the teacher's I needed when I did not even know I was capable of learning. I am deeply saddened by your loss but I and thousands of others will carry on your mission and therefore you will live through us forever. Thank you Monsignor, may you Rest in Peace.
Love, William, Cristen, Billy, Alex and Megan Delaney
Parksville 1993 to 1994
Ibrahim Salim
October 23, 2014
Dear Monsignor, I knew that I have earned my bed, the meals and the knowledge and moreover the growth of being a better men, a son and a father. I am eternally grateful for embracing me as part of the DAYTOP family. I was touched by my family in Parksville and as a Singaporean, this experience can't be expressed in words only but the gratitude that had brought me to where I am. Your departure will be a hard one and I am confident that the road ahead to nirvana is one that you've earned.
George Rosario
October 23, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
October 23, 2014
i love u monsignor. you have always been here for me and my family. may u rest in peace. you will forever remain my angel. i love u donna (onley) schnell
Ruth Kirk
October 23, 2014
After your ordination , you were assigned to our parish in Walden and Wallkill, NY.I received my First Communion from you and my husband was one of your first Altar Boys. You contributed so much to our village, you especially devoted time to the youth not only in our parish but involved the clergy of other denominations too. I would make sick calls with you to the hospital as a teenager and you brought such comfort to the ill. Your homily at Sunday Mass left a message for how we should interact with others and give of ourselves. I tried to live my life with the lessons I was taught by you and hope that I have made you proud by my service to others. Thank you for all your devotion and RIP my dear friend.
YY Tan
October 23, 2014
Goodbye msgr. My life have been richer because of you in it. For that I am eternally grateful. Rest in peace dear father.
Eddie Castillo
October 23, 2014
Msgr O'Brien ,
Thank you so much for giving us our Life Back . We will continue to GIVE what you have shared in Living a Drug Free Life... Only You Can Do It... But You Can Not Do it Alone !!! We love you msgr Obrien . You will be missed as our Father .
Theresa Williams
October 22, 2014
Thank you Msgr for giving me a place were I was accepted for who I was. Day top was the first place I felt apart of something good and it helped me to grow and see that I was not alone. I know you are at peace because you did God's work here on earth and save a lot of lives. Where else but in this ground I can take root and grow. You will be missed but never forgotten
October 22, 2014
You have done Gods work Monsignor; rest in peace. Cheryl Nazario
RAY AND TESS LENAHAN
October 22, 2014
WHERE WOULD I AND SO MANY OTHERS BE WITHOUT YOUR VISION AND LRADERSHIP ? REST IN PEACE. YOU LEFT THE WORLD BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT.
Joanne Delgado
October 22, 2014
Rest in peace. We love you. Gone but never forgotten. You'll always live within each and every one of us that you touched our lives. Heaven gained another angel. Keep watching over us with the heavenly father. I will always love you Msgr. O'Brien.
Thomas Hafner
October 22, 2014
Dear Monsignor, In September, 1974, on that my first day in DAYTOP, prior to heading off to Millbrook, NY I was in the SIR Unit at 40th St. On that day you came looking for me because you read in the daily journal that someone from your hometown of Tuckahoe, NY was their. Ever since that day, until the present, you referred to me as "Tuckahoe". Ever since that day, and every day since, it is I that THANKS YOU, for ALL that you have done. There is not enough space here for me to express what you have meant to myself and my family, but reading all these tributes to you sums it up. The members of the DAYTOP Family have something very, very special to share, and that is that we were all blessed to have truly known a living Saint. Thank you Monsignor, Rest in Peace. Until we meet again, With Love & Friendship, Thomas "Tuckahoe" Hafner.
WINSTON DOUGLAS EDWARDS,DAYTOP VILLAGE GRADUATE.
WINSTON DOUGLAS EDWARDS
October 22, 2014
I am so BLESS today with being a Graduate of DAYTOP VILLAGE because of the LOVE and SPIRT of MSGR ORIEN.GOD BLESS HIS LOVE AND KINDNESS.MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND BE REMEMBER IN MY HEART AND OTHERS.
Jacqueline Perrineau
October 22, 2014
It was a privilege and honor to have been in your circle. You will be greatly missed --- gone but never forgotten.
Bill Blackburn
October 22, 2014
A wonderful man, friend and client. I was immeasurably blessed by knowing Monsignor O'Brien.
Maureen M.
October 22, 2014
I am so grateful I had the opportunity in 1984-86 to be taught by u how to live my life..I know u have been an Angel for others also...RIP
Jacqueline Perrineau
October 22, 2014
Monsignor....words cannot express how you've impacted my life. Having worked with you for 8 years, I can truly say that I was blessed to have known you or have "been in your circle of friends" as you put it. Thank you for just being yourself. You will always remain in my heart and never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Sidney Shankman
October 22, 2014
The greatest privilege is to help save a life;the greatest opportunity is to assist in restructuring a shattered one. Monsignor O'Brien, my dear friend and mentor, achieved both on numerous occasions!!
Sidney Shankman,M.D. Silver Spring,MD
Louise Noll
October 22, 2014
Thank you for saving my life, when no one else knew what to do. You did. I am eternally grateful. Louise Noll
Thomas Murray
October 22, 2014
I wouldn't know where to begin to express my gratitude to you for what you have done for Michele, John, and myself, as well as countless friends. I have never been in the presence of another human being who radiated with love, peace and compassion so effortlessly. You truly were a Godsend. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Lori
October 22, 2014
Thank you for changing lives and giving hope to so many people. Thank you for helping people to change their views. Thank you for being you.
Sidney Shankman
October 22, 2014
The geatest privilege is to help save a life;the greatest opportunity is to assist in restructuring a shattered one.Monsignor O'Brien, my dear friend and mentor,achieved both (on many occasions).
Sidney Shankman,M.D.
Miriam Benado
October 22, 2014
RIP William O' Brien you will never be forgotten..
Neil crystal
October 22, 2014
May you RIP
Darlene Ross
October 22, 2014
MSGR I thanked you 24 yrs ago when I had the honor to sing to and for you in Parksville. You were and will always be the Wind Beneath My Wings. R.I.P
Steven Baum
October 22, 2014
Rest in peace you have done Gods work thanks for helping so many
linda rivera
October 22, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
I will never forget you.
Lisa Bongiorno
October 22, 2014
I kept every card, every letter and every memory. You gave me and so many others a chance to have a full life.
Jim Salerno
October 22, 2014
I am beyond sad to hear this news. A future Saint entered Heaven on Sunday. I believe that in my heart. Msgr. O'Brien was a treasure to so many people and he will be truly missed. As the obit says, he accomplished so much ALL around the world, yet it never took him away from his Parishoners at St. Brendan's. Msgr. was the definition of 'humble,' and his sense of humor was memorable. May He Rest In Peace.
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824 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583
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in William O'Brien's name
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
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Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
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Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William O'Brien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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