John O'Brien

John Joseph O'Brien On Tuesday, June 10, 2014, John Joseph O'Brien passed away peacefully at his Pacifica home, after a long and valiant struggle with melanoma. John was born on August 18, 1924 in San Francisco to George O'Brien of San Francisco and Josephine Dunleavy O'Brien of Ireland. John graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in 1942. While attending Saint Ignatius High School, World War II began. John enlisted to serve his country. Already in boot camp, he along with many of the graduating class of 1942 did not have an opportunity to attend their commencement ceremony. While still in his teens, he fought in New Guinea and toward the end of the war, he was stationed in Japan with the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning home, John used his GI bill to put himself through the University of San Francisco, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Business. John went on to use his Business degree to successfully build his 45-year career with Allstate Insurance.
As a bachelor, John was notoriously married to golf, work and a good meal. An avid golfer, John would spend multiple days a week at Sharp Park, Harding and The Olympic Club golf courses. It was at The Olympic Club's Lake Course where he got his memorable hole in one on the 15th hole.
John met and married the love of his life, Linda O'Brien, and together they raised three wonderful children, Kimberly, Jeannine, and Kekoa. The birth of his granddaughters Emma and Sara Olsen were two of his most cherished moments. John loved being a grandfather and made them feel so special and loved all of the time. John was also a loving father-in-law to Kimberly's husband, David Olsen, and Kekoa's wife, Kimberly Ashbrook O'Brien.
John was deeply committed to his faith; a source of strength he drew from throughout his life. An early Sunday mass followed by a good cup of coffee with friends was part of his weekly ritual. John loved his daily walks; his strolls would often be taken with a golf club in hand and a few golf balls in his pocket, prepared for any possible opening on the fairway. A walk along Lake Merced would inevitably end up at Harding Park or a jaunt around the Pacifica Pier would lead to the familiar paths along Sharp Park Golf Course. John's endearing spirit and charm nurtured old friendships and garnered new ones daily. John would only take a few steps along the Sharp Park Promenade before he would stop and chat with an old friend or new acquaintance. John was a true friend to many; he was the favorite uncle, a supportive brother, a loving husband and a proud father and grandfather. A man blessed with adoration and love by all that were lucky enough to have been a part of his life.
John is now reunited with his wife Linda O'Brien who passed earlier this year. He is preceded in death by his siblings George O'Brien, Anna Marie Rea, and June Sheridan. In addition to being a loving uncle, John was a role model and strong male presence to his numerous nieces and nephews; Paul Rea, David Rea, Sheila Rea, Janice Becken, John Joseph O'Brien, Jackie Bodor, Reid Sheridan, Brien Sheridan, Danny Sheridan and Tommy Sheridan.
John is survived by his three adoring children Kimberly (David) Olsen, Jeannine O'Brien and Kekoa (Kimberly Ashbrook) O'Brien. He is also survived by his two precious granddaughters Emma and Sara Olsen.
At John's request, no service will be held.