Joseph K. O'Brien

Joseph Kieran O'Brien, 93, of Pottsville, a true Irishman, passed away on Saint Patrick's Day morning.

To his friends and family he was known as Red, born with red hair on Saint Valentine's Day in Heckscherville.

Joseph was a son of the late John S. and Catherine (Delaney) O'Brien.

He was a graduate of Pottsville Catholic High School, and proudly served his country in the Air Force as a staff sergeant during the Korea War from 1950-54.

He was a lifelong Penn State football fan, sometimes watching the game more than once. Every summer his garden was flush with vegetables, and he enjoyed relaxing with his wife on an outdoor porch, feeding the local squirrels, chipmunks and birds who relied heavily on his treats year round.

Joseph worked as a parts manager for Klitzner Ford in Shenandoah, a foreman at Chilly Willy in Schuylkill Haven, and lastly a deliveryman for Schoeneman Beauty Supply of Pottsville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Ann Marie Barbur; brothers, Patrick, John, Francis, Leo, William and James; and sister, Marie Reed.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Victoria Ann (Lipinsky), to whom he was married 64 years; son, William, husband of Madalin, of Reading; daughter, Janet O'Brien, of Long Island, N.Y.; grandchildren, Eric Kehl, Diamond Barbur, and Callista O'Brien; sisters, Rose Horan and Catherine Warfield.

A memorial service will be held at a future date through the Lord-Bixler Funeral Home Inc., 1818 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Lord-Bixler Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.