Fergal O'Brien

Fergal O'Brien, 62, of Scranton and formerly of Ireland, died Monday after a brief battle with cancer.

A proud native of County Tipperary, Ireland, Fergal was born on Oct. 26, 1959, to the late Eileen O'Dwyer O'Brien. Fergal moved to New York City in the '80s and became a litigation specialist for entertainment lawyer Peter Parcher, whose clientele included many celebrities, most notably The Rolling Stones. Fergal lived a fast life in NYC, but he found his way to Scranton to settle down and start a family. Fergal held various local government positions and was very involved in the Scranton Irish community in the '90s. Fergal founded the Irish Organizations United (IOU), which brought all local Irish communities together to educate on Irish history and promote peace and justice in Northern Ireland. In 1996, Fergal arranged for Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein president, to speak in Scranton at a St. Patrick's Day Peace Brunch.

Fergal was very talented in the arts, including writing, public speaking and acting. Fergal was incredibly bright, genuine, selfless, kind and could make anyone laugh even on their worst days. He loved his family and friends but most importantly, his wonderful children. His children were the light of his beautifully fulfilled life whom he reminded every single day of how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. He truly was a rockstar dad, brother, son and friend loved by so many. He was unforgettable, and the memories with him will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Surviving are his loving family, children, Amalia Thomas and husband, TJ, Throop; Haley O'Brien, Old Forge; and Sean Horan and wife, Jennifer, New Jersey; siblings, Eamon O'Brien and wife, Maria; Oliver O'Brien and wife, Majella; Tomas O'Brien, Eileen Seacy and husband, Kevin; and Maria Roche and husband, Pat, all of Ireland; Liam O'Brien and wife, Noreen, Doylestown; and Claire O'Brien, Scottsdale, Ariz.; former wife, Kathryn (Moran) O'Brien and fiancé, Paul, of Scranton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, St. Patrick's Day, at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Ave., Scranton.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. Please visit the funeral home's website to leave a condolence.