Robert J. O'Brien Jr.

O''BRIEN ROBERT J. O''BRIEN, JR. Robert J. O''Brien, Jr., 74, who held numerous high level public relations posts in the federal government and with Washington, D.C. defense contractors, died Saturday, March 20, 2010 at his Williamsburg, VA home of complications of lung cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Margaret Schultz O''Brien. O''Brien, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs in the Reagan Administration, was subsequently Director for Public Affairs for the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation in Washington and later Public Relations Vice President in the Boeing Corporation''s Washington, D.C. office. For his work handling press and public relations for DoD, O''Brien was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal by the Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger. Son of the late Robert J. and M. Virginia O''Brien of Wheeling, WV, he graduated from the Linsley Military Institute in Wheeling in 1953. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL on an academic scholarship, graduating with honors in 1957 with a BA in Journalism and a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1986 as a Colonel. During a distinguished 29 year Air Force career, Colonel O''Brien served two tours of duty in Vietnam (1963-1964 and 1970-1971); was Chief of Public Affairs for two of the Air Force''s Major Commands-the North American Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs and the Air Force Systems Command, Andrews AFB, MD; and served three tours of duty at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In addition to the Distinguished Service Medal, his numerous awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star Medal; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal; the Air Medal; four awards of the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. In retirement Mr. O''Brien has served as President of the Williamsburg Greensprings Plantation Homeowner''s Association; enjoyed raising and showing Scottish Terriers; and pursued his lifelong love of golf. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Williamsburg, VA on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. An Interment at Arlington National Cemetery, with Military Honors, will be held on Thursday, May 27th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his honor to the St. Olaf Building Fund, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23188.