Francis J. O'Brien

Francis J. "Frank" O'Brien, 78, of Warren died 10:13 AM Tuesday March 11, 2008 of complications from a 55 year battle with multiple sclerosis. He was born Sept.21, 1929 in Warren the son of Frank and Agatha (Lutz) O'Brien. A lifetime area resident, he was in the first graduating class of St. Mary's High School in 1947. Following high school, Frank joined the United States Marine Corps. in Aug. of 1948 and served 4 years during the Korean War attaining the rank of sergeant. He received the Korean Victory Medal, the United Nations Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon returning to Warren he joined the Warren Fire Dept. where he served for 30 years retiring in 1982 as a lieutenant. Frank was a 60 year member of Knights of Columbus Warren Council #620, a member of VFW Post 1090, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11, a charter member of the Warren City Democrats, a member of the Police and Fire Retirees of Ohio, and the JFK-St. Mary's Alumni Association. He enjoyed all sports especially wrestling, boxing, and was an avid fan of John F. Kennedy High School, Notre Dame and the Cleveland Indians. Frank was proud of his Irish heritage and was especially proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments in sports and school. He is survived by his wife Margaret (Rich) O'Brien whom he married May 18, 1952 in the Holy Rosary Church in Osaka, Japan. Also surviving are 4 sons; Michael, Patrick (Kathleen), Terrence, and Frank (Lori) O'Brien all of Warren and 3 daughters; Colleen (Edward) Stiegelmar of Bedford, TX, Margaret (Robert) March and Kathleen (Allan) Seifert both of Warren. He also leaves 13 grandchildren; Sarah Wolf, Michael O'Brien, Allan James Seifert, Sean O'Brien, Kristen O'Brien, Conor O'Brien, John Seifert, Brendan, Daniel, Caroline, Terra, Dillon, Dominic O'Brien, 2 step grandchildren Alyse and Natalie March and a brother John Bernard (Georgia)O'Brien of West Plains, MO. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Sat. March 15, 2008 at St. Mary's Church of Warren. Friends will be received from 4-8 Friday at Roberts-Clark Chapel where the Warren Fire Dept. will observe honors. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery where military honors will be performed. The family suggests material contributions be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Scholarship Fund for JFK High School in memory of Francis J. O'Brien, or to St. Mary's Church restoration fund.