Deacon John P. O'Brien

Intermountain Catholic

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St. George - John Patrick O’Brien passed away May 20, 2011 in St. George, Utah. He was born Dec. 17, 1926 in Holyoke, Mass. to John J. and Gertrude More O’Brien. He attended parochial grammar and high school in Holyoke and entered Saint Michael’s College in 1944, but left to enlist in the Navy. After he was discharged in 1946 he returned home and earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College and a master’s degree from Westfield College. He taught high school chemistry and science for 32 years. He also served as water commissioner for the city of Holyoke for three years.

On June 30, 1950 he married Claire Provost. He was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Springfield on Jan. 13, 1983. In 1990, he moved to St. George, where for 10 years he was the only deacon at St. George Parish. He also served for a period at Saint Gertrude Parish in Milford. Three times he served as parochial administrator. In 1995 his wife died; in 1999 he applied for a dispensation to re-marry. The dispensation was granted and on Sept. 17, 1999 he married Rita Viera, who was active with him in the funeral ministry. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 90, St. George Elks Lodge and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.

Deacon O’Brien is survived by his wife, Rita; sons: Jack O’Brien, Fla., Dr. Robert O’Brien, Texas and James O’Brien, Nev.; daughter Mary Rose Bernini, Ohio; step-daughters: Doris McGarragh, Texas and Diane McDonald, Calif.; and 14 grandchildren. A funeral Mass was celebrated May 25 at St. George Catholic Church, followed by interment in the St. George City Cemetery.