David J. O’Brien
David J. O’Brien, age 52, of LaGrange; beloved husband of Jean (née Anderson) O’Brien; loving father of Neil J. O’Brien; loving son of Carrie & the late Jeremiah O’Brien; dear brother of Karen O’Brien (Norcum Rauch) & Alan O’Brien (Robyn Saunders).
If ever you were looking for a well travelled, brilliant man, with a penchant for knowledge, science and technology, you would find it in David.
David was always deeply interested in the more intellectual pursuits. Throughout his life, he was a voracious reader, making quick work of a myriad of nonfiction, biographies, fantasies, as well as science fiction and short stories. He was always feeding his mind.
His life paralleled the stories he read, working for TSR, a fantasy game and book company in Lake Geneva, WI. And as if right out of a science fiction novel, he was at the forefront of technology during the origin of the internet, working on the Cray Supercomputer at the University of Illinois.
David’s passion for knowledge lives on within his son, Neil, who shares his love of all things scientific.
When it was time to disconnect, he enjoyed traveling with Jean and Neil, taking excursions to places rich in historical significance or plentiful in natural beauty. He enjoyed camping and the outdoors, and true to his inquisitive nature to learn and experiment, he even built his own kayak.
David is loved by many, and may we always remember him as we look up at the stars, finish a good book, or find ourselves enveloped in the awe of nature.
In lieu of flowers, please make your kind donations to the following organizations:
The LeaderShop
https://theleadershop.org/donate/
Boxer Rebound:
http://www.boxerrebound.com/how-can-you-help/
Visitation 4 to 8pm on Monday, March 22 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Capacity of funeral home limited to 50 guests at a time. Social distancing guidelines in place; masks required. A private service and interment will be held with David’s family. Funeral information: (708) 352-6500
Sending love to all of you.
Much love to you.
Jean & Neil You are in our Prayers always and especially now. LOVE REED & KAREL
Dear Jean and Neil,
I am so sorry for all that is happening to you at this hard time.
You, Neil, and David’s family are in my prayers.
Marilyn Ellis
No words can express our sadness.
Sending our sympathy, love and support to the entire O’Brien family.
Yours – Sandy and Jeff
So sad to hear this. My sympathy and love to all the family!
Mary
Dearest Jean and Neil, big hugs to you! I am so very sad to hear of your loss, thinking of you! Love Angela K. Harrison
We were sorry to hear of his passing. Our love and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed. A special hug to little Neil. Words seem so empty, but they are all we have right now. The Lord bless you and keep you.
Jerry and Petra
Love to you all.
As a friend and colleague for many years I will miss him immensely. Jean and Neil be I am so sorry for you both, you are in my prayers.
Jim and Elaine Stewart
Dear Jean and Neil–we’re holding you in our hearts.
Much Love,
Jen.
Dear Jean, you, Neil, Carrie and Karen and your entire family are in our prayers. Sending you love and light! Love, Lisa, Alyn & Isis
Jean,
We wrap our arms around you with love and friendship. So incredibly sorry for your loss. 😔 We are blessed that we have many sweet memories of all of you.
Love, Jane & Doug Anderson
I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Jean. I am so sorry to hear this. Much love to youand Neil.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. Working with Dave was a pleasure and always full of fun facts. He loved talking about the adventures he went on with his family and displayed pictures Jean and Neil proudly.
We will never understand why David was taken so soon and there is no one that can prepare anyone for a loss such this. However, always take comfort in the fact that he is sleeping in the arms of God, and you and your family have our deepest condolences.
Our prayers are with you always.
Carolyn and Joe Russo
Jean and Neil,
Sending you prayers, hugs, and LOVE from my entire family. We Love You and are here for you. Rick and Shannon (O’Hearn) Phillips and family
Jean and Neil. Condolences on the passing of David. May God keep you in his protective hands. JWC
Jean, I’m shattered by this news.
Wishing you strength and courage in the hours, and days, and months ahead.
Mary Holloway
Jean, our family sends love and heartfelt prayers. What sad sad news. I love you dearly.
Cristen and family
Our deepest sympathy to Jean, Neil and David’s family. May the Lord envelop you with love and soothe your souls. You are in our prayers.
Love, Gini and Alan
Jean – I’m so sorry for your loss. please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jean, my prayers for comfort and care are constant during this sad time.
Nancy Rehder
Dear Jean and Neil,
Our deepest sympathy are with you at this difficult time. You & your family are in my prayers.
RIP David.
Chad and I send all our love and are heartbroken at the loss of our friend, David. All of us LeMondses are reaching our arms around you, Jean and Neil, we love you so much!
You are all loved beyond measure! We celebrate David’s life & also ache with your families. We know Neil will continue to reveal much of the best of his father. May God hold each of you as you step forward.
With love, “Lefty”, Tania & Riley Arlinghaus
and Bailey & Spencer & Joey Amaral
Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, neil and your family.
Lovingly, Amy
Sending love to Jean an Neil from your relatives in Minneapolis.
Dearest Jean, Neil and Loved Ones,
Our hearts are filled with sorrow to hear this sad news. We are thinking of you all, and send our deepest sympathy, condolences and prayers.
With our love,
Glenda, John, & Geoffrey
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. ♥️♥️
Andy, Maria, Bennett and Louis
So very saddened to hear of David’s passing. Sending love, hugs and prayers to Jean, Neil and all of his family. God bless you all during this difficult time. The Dockins family
Karen, I was so sorry to read this. Losing a sibling is like losing part of yourself. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. Dorothy and Dennis Petrie
To the whole O’Brien Family… there are no words other than I am sorry for your loss. I only knew David when I was younger but he was always very kind and respectful. Whenever I saw him he had a smile on his face. Keeping him and all of you in my prayers.
We are sending love to all who loved David. With deepest sympathy-
Jean, I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Jean,
My heart aches for you, Neil, and your family. You are in my though and prayers. May his memory be a blessing. I am here for you.
With much love,
Julie
Carrie,
My thoughts and love are with you at this difficult time. You will be in my prayers. So very sorry for you loss.
We are deeply sorry to hear about David’s passing. God will take care of you and Neil. You are in good hands.
Our deepest condolences, and so wishing to be there in person.
Sending love and strength to you,
Valerie and Marc
Dear Jean and Neil,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
I’m so, so sorry about the loss of your dear husband, Jean, and dad, Neil. I have donated to The LeaderShop in his honor, and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Love,
Liz Schmidt Nielsen
Very Shocked to Hear of David’s Passing, My Wife Diane I got to know David from Karen his Sister and Norcum, David was like we been knowing forever, Great Person , and very Intelligent. Diane and I are very lucky to have spent time with David a few months ago here in New Orleans, We will miss him Dearly. Neil and Jean , Karen and Norcum and Ms. Carrie, Unfortunately , We know exactly what you all are going through, David now a Angel and will live in your hearts forever, David is always with you…Our Prayers are with the Entire Family….GOD Speed David….
Dear Jean and Neil,
We are so sad to hear of David’s death. We remember his kindness to us when we visited you in La Grange. Our love and deepest sympathy go out to both extended famililes but especially to you two in this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been a long time since I saw David, but we went to school together from grade school through college. He was such a good person. Condolences to your family. I know he will be missed.
So devastating to hear of David’s passing. Sending love, hugs, and supportive, healing prayers to Carrie and the entire family in this difficult time.
Jean and Neil,
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a pleasure to work with for many years. His smile was always there for all. I vividly remember working with him at the Derby Days and celebrating after with many co-workers. It would not have been near as much fun if Dave was not there with us. His conversation, jokes and dancing will be forever remembered. Prayers for you both and Dave.
Brian Deenihan
Jean, Neil,
My heart felt condolences to you and David’s son.
Your husband will be truly missed and knowing you both through on our CPA-LaGrange PD, the story on his life that was shared speaks of adventures that you both make picturesque.
Sending you and Neil, Hugs🤗🤗and Many Blessings, for a strong future and keeping great memories of your Family always cherished.
Look forward to seeing you, if I can do anything for you and Neil, please let me know.
Clara S.
David introduced me to novelist James Michener and Malbec wine. He fed me many tasty dinners. We gleefully conjectured what the initials PEO (the philanthropic organization Jean belongs to) stand for. He helped me mourn my mother’s death. He gave me technology he assumed (alas, erroneously) I knew how to use. He made me feel part of his family. I miss him. With deepest sympathy and much love to Carrie, Alan, Karen, Jean and Neil
Dear Carrie, I can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear of David’s passing. I know exactly how you and your family are feeling right now, as we lost our David last October. Please accept our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. My how the years pass. I remember David,Alen,and Karen as children, playing next door. Trust in the Lord
Frank and Lynn Shibovich
Carrie, my prayers are with you and your family. May your memories provide some comfort and be a blessing.
My deepest sympathies for you and your family.
Jean and Neil,
My heart aches for you in hearing of David’s passing. You and your family and the many souls David’s precious life touched are in my prayers. God is close to the broken hearted. Comfort and rest to you in the shadow of his wings.
Juliane Klinke
So sad to hear this! I went to high school with Dave and he was always such a sharp and kind guy! May God bring you comfort as you walk through this sad time.
—Laura Mensik
My deepest sympathies to you all.
May God give you peace and comfort.
Kathy Weidner
Mrs. O’Brien, Karen, Alan, and Jean, oh my goodness I’m so sorry to learn this. You and your families have mine and Dana’s deepest condolences. Our hearts are with you. Please take care ❤️
Much love to you all,
Dawn Murin and Dana Knutson
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love Aunt Sandy