Dennis Patrick O’Brien

Dennis Patrick O'Brien, 69, a native of Scranton, Pa, father, grandfather and journalist, died on February 11th, 2025, at home in Washington, D.C.The son of the late Atty. Robert E. and Mary E. O'Brien, he was born at Mercy Hospital during the throes of Hurricane Diane. He grew up in Scranton, graduating from Bishop Hannon High School, where he was captain of the Golden Lancers basketball team when they earned a state championship in 1973.

He earned his bachelor's from American University and shortly after graduating became a journalist. In his 30-year career he worked at newspapers including the News American in Annapolis, the Hartford Courant, and finally The Baltimore Sun. While working for the Baltimore Sun, he also earned a law degree from the University of Baltimore. Dennis had a scientific mind, and used his passion to contribute to the Health & Science section during his final years at the paper. After his retirement, he spent his time swimming, writing fiction, exploring DC, and enjoying time with his grandson, Patrick.

He is survived by his two daughters, Elizabeth O'Brien of Minneapolis, MN, and Kathleen Hernandez of Drexel Hill, PA, and his former spouse, Sharon O'Brien, the mother of their children. He also leaves grandchildren Patrick and Sergio Hernandez; brothers, Kevin of Washington, DC, Robert A. of Huntington, L.I.; three sisters, Ellen, Joan Volz and Maureen McAliney, all of Scranton; 15 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Maryanne Donohue of Scranton; a brother, Joseph A. of New York, and a niece, Maeve McAliney of Scranton.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 A.M. at St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Avenue, Scranton. Interment Cathedral Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 A.M. until mass time In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home 2025 Green Ridge Street, Dunmore.