John Gregory O'Brien

Dr. John Gregory O'Brien MD, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, May 25, 2024. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 25, 1952, to his late parents John and Eileen O'Brien.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by the love of his life for 47 years, Joanne, and their children: Sean and his wife Allison; Michael; Caitlin Cheal and her husband Andrew; and Kevin and his wife Katherine. He is also survived by four beautiful grandchildren, whom he adored: Aiden, Dylan, and Addison Cheal; and Aisling O'Brien. He is loved and missed by all of his siblings, their families, and many others.
John graduated from Manhattan College, Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in Biochemical Engineering in 1974. He switched paths from there, pursuing a career in medicine and eventually graduating from Georgetown University Medical School in 1978. He did a family practice internship at the Jacksonville Naval Regional Medical Center the following year. His surgical residency was at the Portsmouth Naval Regional Medical Center from 1980-1984.
In 1979, he was appointed as the Chief Medical Officer on the USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6). Continuing his service to the US Navy, he was assigned as the Staff General Surgeon at the Naval Hospital Guam before receiving his honorable discharge in 1986 (Rank – LCDR).
John relocated with his wife and children to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where he worked as a General Surgeon for two years before moving to Newton, NJ. Once settled in northwest New Jersey, he promptly established his own private general surgery practice, bringing in two partners who would remain lifelong friends of his. In 2015, he and Joanne moved out West and he became the Attending General Surgeon and Director of Trauma for Heber Valley, while also operating at the Park City Medical Center. John was a gifted General Surgeon, and his patients routinely praised his expertise, patience, and kindness.
He enjoyed the outdoors - skiing, hiking, golfing, fishing, mountain biking, and traveling. He loved relaxing at home, often quietly admiring the beauty of the Utah mountains and amazing Heber sunsets. The knowledge, humor, and joy he brought to everyone around him will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
A funeral service will be held July1, 2024 at St. Mary's Park City, UT, at 11:00 AM
His final interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA at a time yet to be determined.