James P. O'Brien

James P., 'Tyke' O'Brien passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his loving partner of 18 years, Darlene Fritchman DeBenedetto, and pre-deceased by his wife Malynda, his parents, James and Margaret O'Brien and youngest brother Jay. He also leaves behind five siblings: John O'Brien (Terri), Joe O'Brien (Marilyn Mangus), Jeff O'Brien (Judy Burke), Lorraine McMullen (Jim), Linda Topoleski, brother-in-law Tom Mannion, and Darlene's children, Angela Zecco (Mario) and Tony DeBenedetto (Regan). Tyke considered his many nieces and nephews and Darlene's grandchildren all his favorites and took great delight in instigating lots of fun and practical jokes with them at every opportunity.
After his time at Penn State University, he had a long career in retail management and sales in New York, Maryland, Virginia, Michigan, Chicago and Pittsburgh, and took every opportunity to point out when products, prices or product placements weren't up to his standards. He loved finding ways to make retail better.
In addition to family and career, Tyke was a diehard Steelers fan and loved planning playoff and Super Bowl parties. He also devoted a lot of his spare time to reunions and social media groups for two of his alma maters: St. Philip Grade School, where he was instrumental in starting the Catholic Youth Organization for sports programs and Bishop Canevin Catholic High School where he organized many class reunions. He also kept lively debates and photo galleries going on Facebook with extended family and friends.
Relatives and friends received Monday, June 23 from 2 to 6: PM, followed by a Blessing Service, at Schepner-McDermott Funeral Home, 165 Noble Ave., Crafton, PA. If desired, donations may be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 or www.hillman.upmc.com or Amedisys Hospice and Home Care, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 or www.amedisys.com