Joseph P. O’Brien
Joe was the oldest of 10 children growing up on D Street in Feltonville, attending St Ambrose and Cardinal Dougherty High School. He was an avid Philly sports fan loving the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers.
As a young man Joe played college basketball at Holy Family University. He would later go on to graduate from Temple University his beloved Alma mater.
Hilariously funny with amazing wit and charm, Joe had the gift of making people laugh the moment he entered the room. Joe O’Brien, all 6’5” of him, was fiercely loyal and protective of all his friends and family. To know Joe was to love him. We will miss Joe for the rest of our days. Please hold him in your hearts and help us to remember him always.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation and funeral on Wednesday, January 29th in St. Jerome RC Church, 8100 Colfax St. Phila., PA 19136. .You may visit and comfort Joe’s family from 9:00 am – 11:00 am in church. There will be a funeral mass at 11:00 am. Further arrangements will be held in private by his family. Please omit flowers and kindly consider donations in Joe’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association.
Joe , we been praying 🙏 for you always. Miss you all Ann Marie your 💈 barber.
Joe were such a big guy, with an even bigger personality! You will truly be missed! Rest easy!
Joe - it's been a while since we had seen each other but for all the times we did - you always made me laugh and welcomed me. I always asked Pat and Sue how you were doing and always sent you a big hug and kiss. I know you and Jay are causing trouble - I just know it. I will miss seeing your smile, you telling me how much you loved my sister Sue (and me - lol) and just for being you. I don't think you have any inkling as to how much you will be missed by your family and friends and how many lives you touched. I know you are at peace now so until we see each other again - love ya!! P.S. Please give Jay a big hug and kiss for me too.
Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time — and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready. ▪ I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time.
Joe, words can't explain or even begin to express the loss in my life and eveyone else who was lucky enough to have met you and got to know you. I was lucky to work with you and also be a friend-a double bonus. I want to thank you for every laugh, cry and great time we ever had together-and there were many. It was an honor to know you. Nobody can replace you Joe, so the hole is immensely deep. Hope to see you one day, so we can laugh and catchup. Till that day my heart ❤️ is broken. Thank you for making life fun and worth living. Not everybody can do that-you did. Will always love ya pal. Rest in peace.
Joe, You were an awesome, funny, humble, genuinely, honest human being on the face of this earth!! You will be missed dearly.. Great knowing you as an angel of an individual!!
Joe, was a wonderful person a kind soul. He touched everyone he met with kindness. He always left you feeling good inside with his contagious smile, humor, and so polite!!! Joe will be greatly missed, but heaven has gained an angel. RIP SIR
One of my best growing up.i will miss you my brother. We had some crazy great times .love you OB.
My deepest condolences for you all! I went to school with Dave and we were all close back in those days. As Dr Suess taught us, Don't cry because He's gone, Smile because He was here.
Joe was a Great guy, very likeable we always talked evertime i saw him or he saw me, he Alyssa to a minute or two to say hello and a little chat, make eachother laugh or just smile eveytime we talked. Thanks for some of my Great memories I have from our Great nieghborhood!
"I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joe. I'll always remember Joe's warmth and the kindness he showed to everyone around him. Joe was always welcoming. As life happens, as it does, we drifited apart and lost touch many years ago. I have memories of memorable conversations and plenty of fun. We could laugh about anything, anytime, any place! To the O'Brien family I wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy, Jeff Hampton
Joe was family to me, like all of my O'Brien cousins. He took care of his family and looked out for me, and his brothers and sisters. So many great childhood memories. And he was FUNNY, God Joe was hilarious. I lost touch with him years back and wish I had done more to stay in touch. Extending my love to my "cousins", the O'Briens and saying a prayer for Joe.
Thanks for your friendship for over 50 years.
Joe was a few years older than myself, but I hung out with my older brothers friends. When doing this, big Joe always kept me close to him. He wanted me to be safe. Solid guy, he’ll be missed by many
May you rest in peace joe I know one thing you were one cool dude! 🙏☘️
Joe was truly one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. I met him in 2011 and since then we’ve been great friends. I consider him more than a great friend. I consider him a family member and brother. He was the kind of guy who would do anything for anybody even if he just met you. My world will be a darker place without him but I’m truly blessed to have known him and even more blessed that he considered me a great friend.ovecylu forever my brother! So glad you’re finally free!
Joe was truly one of the best people I’ve ever known and a great friend. I’ll love and miss you forever my brother! But happy that now you are truly free.
Joe, I first met you in St. Ambrose and spent the rest of our youth in school together into our high school years. Joe the memories of Tabor Rams, Ernies, playing whiffle ball and just hanging out will never be forgotten. I am saddened to hear this. Rest in peace my friend.
I knew joe for a long time,and every time I was in his presence it was always a good time. He was a charming and funny guy. May he rest in peace and prayers are with his family and friends.
Joe and I went to school together for 12 years. The fun times were playing for the Tabor Rams, basketball at the rec, senior week house, and the stories Joe told working at Mardi Gras. We were 11 years old playing baseball for the Rattlers at Feltonville Rec and Joe was the captain. He was a natural leader but always spoke with a soft calm voice. As an adult his soft calm voice would remain with him as he would greet you with a smile and handshake. These qualities will be missed. God Bless you Joe.
RIP Joe O you were a great friend like a brother will never forget the great times we had Penn State, Jets games and the Warwick Tavern just a few of our great times. Heaven has got a great guy. Love You!!!!!
RIP Joe 🙏 prayers for your family
Rest in Peace you were a great guy always smiling .
Joe was family to me, like all of my O’Brien cousins. He took care of his family and looked out for me, and his brothers and sisters. So many great childhood memories. And he was FUNNY, God Joe was hilarious. I lost touch with him years back and wish I had done more to stay in touch. Extending my love to my “cousins”, the O’Briens and saying a prayer for Joe.
“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Joe. I’ll always remember Joe’s warmth and the kindness he showed to everyone around him. Joe was always welcoming. As life happens, as it does, we drifited apart and lost touch many years ago. I have memories of memorable conversations and plenty of fun. We could laugh about anything, anytime, any place!
To the O’Brien family I wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Jeff Hampton
Joe was a Great guy, very likeable we always talked evertime i saw him or he saw me, he Alyssa to a minute or two to say hello and a little chat, make eachother laugh or just smile eveytime we talked. Thanks for some of my Great memories I have from our Great nieghborhood!
My deepest condolences for you all! I went to school with Dave and we were all close back in those days. As Dr Suess taught us, Don’t cry because He’s gone, Smile because He was here.
One of my best growing up.i will miss you my brother. We had some crazy great times .love you OB.
Joe, was a wonderful person a kind soul. He touched everyone he met with kindness. He always left you feeling good inside with
his contagious smile, humor, and so polite!!! Joe will be greatly missed, but heaven has gained an angel. RIP SIR
Joe,
You were an awesome, funny, humble, genuinely, honest human being on the face of this earth!! You will be missed dearly.. Great knowing you as an angel of an individual!!
Joe, words can’t explain or even begin to express the loss in my life and eveyone else who was lucky enough to have met you and got to know you. I was lucky to work with you and also be a friend-a double bonus. I want to thank you for every laugh, cry and great time we ever had together-and there were many. It was an honor to know you. Nobody can replace you Joe, so the hole is immensely deep. Hope to see you one day, so we can laugh and catchup. Till that day my heart ❤️ is broken. Thank you for making life fun and worth living. Not everybody can do that-you did. Will always love ya pal. Rest in peace.
Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time — and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready.
▪ I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time.
Joe – it’s been a while since we had seen each other but for all the times we did – you always made me laugh and welcomed me. I always asked Pat and Sue how you were doing and always sent you a big hug and kiss. I know you and Jay are causing trouble – I just know it. I will miss seeing your smile, you telling me how much you loved my sister Sue (and me – lol) and just for being you. I don’t think you have any inkling as to how much you will be missed by your family and friends and how many lives you touched. I know you are at peace now so until we see each other again – love ya!! P.S. Please give Jay a big hug and kiss for me too.
Joe were such a big guy, with an even bigger personality! You will truly be missed! Rest easy!
Joe , we been praying 🙏 for you always. Miss you all Ann Marie your 💈 barber.