Obituary of Edward F. O'Brien

Edward F. O'Brien of Penfield passed away June 21, 2017. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas. Edward is survived by his wife of 62 years, Juliana; children, Susan O'Brien (Doug Roode), Michael (Iwona) O'Brien, Timothy (Amy) O'Brien, M. Katharine (Michael) Renahan, Daniel (Amy) O'Brien; grandchildren, Patrick Renahan, Kaitlyn O'Brien, Margaret O'Brien; sister-in-law, Marcy O'Brien, brother-in-law, Joseph Sullivan; several nieces and nephews, including, Alix, Barton and Val. Ted "OB" O'Brien lived life to the fullest and generated love and laughter with everyone around him. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, positive attitude and generous spirit. The chronology of his life – childhood, education, athletics, employment, family, world traveler, community volunteer - while amazing can't capture the essence of the man. We think his center was being a "kid from ER". No expectation of college – until his father went to the boss at the Car Shop and told him to lay Teddy off. A couple of buddies, a map and a single interview later, Pop was a student at Geneseo college. We've heard our father say so many times "can you believe a kid from ER gets to _____". We think this is the essence of Ted O'Brien. Everyone he met, every child he taught, every idea he saw come to fruition, and every experience exceeded his inner expectation and he saw as a gift. The big wide world became a friendly, intimate place – a source of ongoing wonder and joy for this 'kid from ER". This gift from our grandfather, Edward J. O'Brien to his son started a journey that touched the lives of hundreds. But to "OB" the gift was that hundreds let a 'kid from ER" be a part of their journey. So from our family to you, thank you for letting "OB"/Pop be part of your journey. Friends may call at Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield, Friday 3-7PM. Those wishing may direct donations to Hillside Children's Center or Penfield Ecumenical Food Shelf in his memory.