Joseph F. O'Brien Sr., age 89, husband of Helen C. (Tate) O'Brien, of South Coventry Township, formerly of Charlestown Township, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024 at home. Born on February 26, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Agnes M. (Naylor) O'Brien.
Mr. O'Brien honorably served in the United States Navy from 1952-1956, having been stationed aboard the USS Des Moines, the first of her class and the flagship for the 6th Task Fleet. The Navy afforded him the opportunity to travel the world from Norfolk to the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle while serving his country.
As a self-taught builder, he owned O'Brien Building Enterprises, completing construction projects primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions including three of his own homes. He truly loved his job and sharing his workmanship with his family, including passing on his skills and knowledge to his children.
Mr. O'Brien loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, and he cherished the time he spent with them. The family went on annual camping trips and loved spending time at their vacation home in Vermont. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cross-country skiing. He was a fan of the Phillies and the Eagles and looked forward to the Army/Navy game each year.
Mr. O'Brien served as a Supervisor for Charlestown Township for 8 years. He was instrumental as a member of the Planning Commission, Sewer Authority, and as Road Master. He also served his community as a Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout Troop.
In addition to his wife of 67 years, Mr. O'Brien is survived by two children, Sharon O'Brien and Joseph (Julie) O'Brien, Jr; three grandchildren, Kevin (Amanda) Fleming, Ryan Fleming, and Rebekah (Hamza Rachdi) Fleming; brother-in-law, George (Marcia) Tate; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter and her husband, Kim (Robert) DiNicola and three siblings, Robert O'Brien, Agnes Shanahan, and Terese Seifert.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial prayer service at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., 610 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460 on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Rev. Paul Brandt. Burial will be held privately. Friends will be received from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.