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Joseph O'Brien Obituary
Virginia Beach - - Joseph William "Billy" O'Brien, 83, of Haygood Rd., passed away Nov. 9, 2012, in a local hospital.
He was born on March 20, 1929 in Parsons, Kansas, and was the son of the late Joseph and Teresa O'Brien. He graduated from Wilson High School in Portsmouth where he was a star football, basketball and track athlete. He was awarded a full scholarship to play football at UNC Chapel Hill. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corp and was a teacher with the Chesapeake Public Schools. Billy was also a legendary football coach for Great Bridge High School from 1955 - 1974.
Billy served in the Virginia General Assembly House of Delegates from 1974 - 1991 and served as Chairman of the Education Committee. He was known as "Father of Lottery". Two of his major political accomplishments were the State Lottery and the state "University License Plates".
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce Ann O'Brien; a daughter, Marlene Castellow and husband Dale, and their children, Kevin and Katie of Burke, VA; a son, Joseph William O'Brien III and wife Kristina of Virginia Beach; and a sister, Eileen Chase of Arizona.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel. Burial will follow in Princess Anne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph O'Brien
Donald Greene
November 15, 2012
sorry to hear about coach he made great bridge great I ran track he always wanted us to try 0ur best class 66 Don Greene
michael j. bennett
November 14, 2012
so very sorry to hear of your loss. my prayers will continue for family and friends which i know are many. Coach O'Brien had a tremendous influence on my general development and a great many more. Rest in peace dear coach, we all loved you in our own way. If I'm lucky enough we'll met again one day.
Allen Spencer
November 14, 2012
He was a great coach.
Ray Dozier
November 14, 2012
To The O'Brien Family,
I am very sorry for your loss and I offer my sincere sympathy to you. As a player for coach O'Brien from 1967-69, he made a major impact in my life and was a great person. He was a man of great character and convictions and will surely be missed. I will always remember how he used the game of football to teach us very important life lessons. Words can not express how I feel and how thankful I am that such a great Man was a part of my life and continue to be today
Ted Morrison
November 13, 2012
Dear Joyce, Sharon and I offer our heartfelt sympathy. We are so saddened by the news of Billy's passing, and I have lost a dear friend and colleague. I take comfort in remembering the many good times we shared together.
David & Betty Whitener
November 13, 2012
Dear Joyce
Sorry to learn of you loss. How well I remember Billy and the joy and good works he did. Our prayers are for you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Bill Pittman
November 13, 2012
coach, thanks for everything.
Lorie Davis
November 12, 2012
I can still see you Dad standing on the football field. Debbie and I are very sorry for your loss. Please give your Mom our regards. I am sorry that I could not come to the service - my husband lost his mother yesterday.
Lamont Simmons
November 11, 2012
"My deepest sympathy goes out to the O'Brien Family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of the beloved Honorable Billy O'Brien. He was a gentleman and mentor. He is sorely missed."
Bernie Kirsch
November 11, 2012
Billy Obrien was a great athlete, a greater coach, and a leader of men. Everyone who knew him liked him. He had a distinguished career as an educator and a legislator. He was a hail-fellow well met.
He will be missed.
The O'Brien family and Billy's many close friends have my deepest sympathy.
W Galbreath
November 11, 2012
I offer my condolences to the O'Brien Family. I did not know 'Billy' but sure recall the joy he brought to many throughout his lifetime. Peace be with you.
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