Daniel O'Brien

It is with immeasurable love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel Joseph O’Brien, 57, of Masury, OH. Dan was an extraordinary man whose life was defined by family, generosity, and an unmatched ability to bring people together.

Dan was born on October 14, 1968, in Youngstown, OH, a son of John and Sandra (Kovack) O’Brien. Dan was a remarkable son, husband, father, brother, uncle, coach, colleague, and friend — an anchor for his family and a steady presence for all who were blessed to know him. He built his life with integrity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Dan carried the heart of a true Irishman — fun-loving, welcoming, loyal, and fiercely devoted to family. He did not simply love his family; he adored them. His wife, Nancy, was not just his partner, but his foundation. Nancy captured his heart from the first time he saw her at the Dairy Queen drive through, and held his love for 25 years of marriage. Together they built a beautiful, strong and loving family.

Dan’s children, Bailey, Dylan, and Donovan, were his greatest pride and the center of his world. He was deeply involved in his children’s activities. He lived for being mat-side with his boys —Dylan and Donovan — teaching, encouraging, and celebrating their growth not only as athletes but as young men. Dan and his boys shared a wealth of memories made on weekend camping trips, riding dirt bikes, boating and cooking out poolside. Those moments were amongst his greatest joys.

Dan also cherished the special bond he shared with his daughter, Bailey. Dan loved supporting her in cheerleading and volleyball and rarely missed an event. He enjoyed sharing his passions for movies and music with her — finding favorites, replaying classics, talking about soundtracks and scenes, and simply being together. Dan treasured those quiet, meaningful moments.

Dan graduated from Brookfield High School, where he lettered in football and wrestling, and continued his education at Kent State University and Youngstown State University, earning a degree in electrical engineering. He began working in the electrical and engineering field while still in high school, launching a career spanning more than three decades. Through dedication, intelligence, and an unmatched work ethic, he worked his way up to Vice President and partner of the company he helped build.

After retiring, Dan embraced a new chapter doing what he loved most — design and engineering work with JCL Development, where he continued contributing his expertise to exciting and innovative projects.

An expert in AutoCAD and highly skilled in modern engineering technology, Dan was widely known as the “go-to” person for anyone with technical or design questions. He also held an Electrical Contractor’s License from the State of Ohio and took great pride in the many electrical designs he completed throughout his career. His professional contributions can be seen across numerous local and regional projects, including The Lakes at Jefferson, First National Bank headquarters in Hermitage, Hope CAT, Avalon Springs, Grace Chapel, Nugent Nursing Homes, the Youngstown State Engineering Building, Dean Foods offices, ECM facilities in Sharon, and many other prominent commercial and industrial developments. Dan quietly left his mark on countless projects that continue to serve the community today.

Dan was also an active and dedicated member of his hometown. He had a passion for coaching and supporting young athletes and gave back by coaching youth football. Dan served as President of the Sharon University Club and as Treasurer of the Mercer County ATV Club. Dan was generous with his time and resources, supporting numerous local charities, including the O’Brien Children’s Fund. He never missed a Clam Bake or the Strimbu Dinner and gave freely to many other community causes without ever seeking recognition.

Dan built more than a home — he built a gathering place. His house was filled with laughter, stories, music, food, and the comfort of knowing everyone belonged. Whether friend, teammate, coworker, or someone he had just met, Dan embraced people like family. Generous, kind, and endlessly giving, he left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Dan treasured time at his cottage on Lake Erie and at his home with family and friends. He was also a skilled carpenter and designer, leaving his imprint on everything he touched. A devoted member of the local University of Notre Dame fan club, he proudly took family members to Notre Dame games each year. He also loved vacationing with extended family and friends, helping build memories that will last a lifetime.

Family meant everything to Dan, and that love extended far beyond his immediate household. He shared extraordinarily close relationships with his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, employees, customers, and professional associates. Loyalty and connection were cornerstones of his life.

Dan also left a lasting impression on his nieces and nephews — he was loved and adored by them. He truly knew each of them. Even the youngest couldn’t wait to go to “Uncle Dan’s,” knowing there would always be laughter and fun. The love they felt for him was a direct reflection of the love he so freely gave.

Dan is survived by and will be forever missed by his beloved wife of 24 years, Nancy (Pearson) O’Brien, whom he married on September 8, 2001; and his cherished children, Bailey, Dylan, and Donovan; and his precious Goldens, Indie and Gypsy.

He also leaves his loving parents, John and Sandra O’Brien; his five siblings, Kurt O’Brien; Kellie O’Brien (David Lapikas); Chris O’Brien (Laura); Maureen O’Brien; and John O’Brien (Mary Ellen); close cousins, including Sean O’Brien and others who were lifelong friends.

He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews, Levi, Lexie, and Ellie O’Brien; Paul and McKayla Fusco; Colynn and Jeremy Ayala, Christopher and Brittany O’Brien; Devin O’Brien, Mackenzie and Laila O’Brien, Alivia O’Brien and Jake Ewing, and Ashton O’Brien; Hayden and Reganne O’Brien; and John, Jenna, Lanie, and Lauren O’Brien, along with his great-nieces and great-nephews: Benjamin, Callan, Caiden, Cameron, Lennox, Matteo, Julian, Annelise, and Brady, who all held a special place in his heart and will miss him dearly.

Dan built a beautiful life for his family. He gathered people. He coached, he encouraged, he protected. He gave without hesitation. His life was a testament to what it means to love your family fiercely and to live generously.

He will always be loved deeply, remembered forever, and missed beyond words.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to the D3OB Legacy Fund – In honor of Daniel J. O’Brien. Donations may be made through the Community Foundations of Western PA and Northeast OH, 7 West State St., Suite 301, Sharon, PA 16146; or online at: comm-foundation.org.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday (2-19-26) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday (2-20-26) in Grace Chapel Community Church, 4075 Lamor Rd., Hermitage, with Pastor Aaron Lego, officiating.