James W. O'Brien

James W. O’Brien, Sr. died peacefully on September 7th, 2026. Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 9th, 1936, predeceased by his parents Cornelius F. O’Brien and Carolyn M. O’Brien (Brodbeck), siblings Carolyn (O’Brien) Breen and Robert N. O’Brien and his loving wife Florence E. O’Brien (O’Connor). Florence and James were together in marriage for 66 years and went on to have three adoring children, Colleen A. O’Brien of Glenmoore, PA, James W. O’Brien Jr. of Ridge, NY, and William N..O’Brien (Lisa)of Guilford, CT; five grandchildren, Julia Jalbert (Eric), Aedan O’Brien, Molly O’Brien (Ricky Weiss), Caitlin O’Brien, and Erin O’Brien; and blessed with three great-grandchildren, Archie Jalbert and twins Charlee & Hazel Jalbert as well as his sisters Patricia H. (O’Brien) Wolf (Karl) and Maureen E. (O’Brien) Baldi (Lou).

Jim enlisted in the US Navy in 1954. He served on the USS Waccamaw on its second midshipman cruise in 1955 until the ship entered the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for overhaul and it was at a local dance he would meet the woman who would become his wife, Florence O’Connor.

Jim & Florence would marry on September 2, 1956,and after his discharge from the Navy they moved to Levittown, NY. Jim worked in construction and eventually joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138. They purchased their first new home in Bohemia, NY in 1957 and became involved with the St John Nepomucene Parish community with Colleen and their two boys, Jim Jr. & Bill attending the parish school. Active in CYO and the Holy Name Society. Jim often organized fund-raising dances held in the school auditorium.

Jim also was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 2 in Babylon, NY and was in the color guard of their award-winning pipe band, the Saffron Kilts.

Jim retired in 2002 from IUOE Local 14. After retiring Jim & Florence travelled extensively with family and friends touring the US and countries around the world, but their favorite destination were undoubtedly, Ireland. He loved all things Irish, the people, the land, the music and truth be told a wee bit of Jameson’s.

The Parting Glass

Oh all the money that e'er I see I spent it in good company And all the harm that e'er I've done Alas, it was to none but me

And all I've done for want of wit To memory now I can't recall So fill to me the parting glass Good night and joy be with you all

So fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befall, And gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all

Oh all the comrades that e'er I had They are sorry for my going away And all the sweethearts that e'er I had They would wish me one more day to stay

But since it falls unto my lot That I should rise and you should not I'll gently rise and I'll softly call Good night and joy be with you all

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