Bernadine O'Brien

Bernadine "Tina" O'Brien, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and grandmother died peacefully after an extended illness on Friday, October 3, 2025, at St. John XXIII home in Hermitage. Mrs. O'Brien died surrounded by her family. She was 78. Tina was born on October 18, 1947, in Sharpsville, to Lola and Victor Piccirilli, who met while Mr. Piccirilli was serving in the US Army in Rome during World War II. The second of four children, Tina grew up on Ridge Avenue and attended Sharpsville schools. After high school she attended Youngstown State University, and worked at McDowell Bank and General American. At 18, a chance meeting with a handsome 23-year-old from Brookfield turned into a lifelong love and a 54-year marriage and partnership. Paul O'Brien and Tina Piccirilli married at St. Bartholomew's Church in Sharpsville on May 1, 1971. They welcomed their first child, Jill, in 1974. Paul Jr and Stephanie followed in 1976 and 1977 respectively. All three children died in a tragic accident at the family's Brookfield home on March 23, 1981, along with Tina's mother Lola. Tina and Paul rebuilt their lives after their great loss. They started the O'Brien Children's Memorial Fund, the seed that grew into the Community Foundation of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, which now has over 800 named funds. They had four more children. Tina spent her days making a home for her family, and tending one of the most beautiful gardens in the area. She was a devout Catholic, a great cook, and an incredible friend to many. She became a master gardener, and in her later years traveled extensively to visit her four grown children. Tina is survived by those children - Sarah, Susan, Steven, and Shannon - her husband Paul, her grandchildren Wally Calvert-O'Brien, Stevie Calvert-O'Brien, Violet O'Brien-Haynes, and Casey O'Brien, her brother Joseph and her sister Anna. She is preceded in death by her three children, her parents, and her brother, Ralph. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to: The O'Brien Children's Memorial Fund, c/o The Shenango Valley Community Foundation, 7 West State Street, Sharon. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday (10-6-25)in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday (10-7-25) in St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with Rev. Philip Oriole, as celebrant. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage