Robert J. O'Brien

Robert J. O’Brien, 93, of Ellwood City passed away March 19, 2025 at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

Born May 16, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late George O'Brien and Grace (Stiefel) O’Brien. He was married to Jane Karen (Merritt) O’Brien until her death on February 1,1973.

Bob was a graduate of Lincoln High School. He worked as paper boy for the Ledger for several years. He was a veteran, serving four years in the Navy, May of 1951 through April 1955. He worked briefly at Ellwood City Forge and then attended Kentucky Christian College where he graduated in 1960. Bob was ordained to Christian ministry in that year and served ministries in six states over a forty-year period. A sports fan, he played football for Lincoln High School and beyond as a half-back for the Bolt Busters semi-pro team. Bob enjoyed raising and racing homing pigeons from the time he was 10 years of age. Over the years he kept a variety of small stock including but not limited to songbirds, rabbits and sheep.

Survivors include his two sons, Tom O'Brien and his wife Sharon of Ellwood City, James O'Brien and his wife Suzanne of Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter, Karen Brandenburg, who survives her husband Kelly of Winchester, Kentucky, 4 grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, Chelsea and her husband George Smith and their son Jacob, and Stephanie Brandenburg and her son Toby.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry and William, and four sisters; Blanche Young, Rosie Walker, Etta Hockenberry, and Clara Watson.

The Memorial Service will be held at the First Christian Church of Ellwood City, 317 State Route 288, on Monday, March 24 with visitation at 10:00 A.M. and the service following at 11:00 A.M.. Tom O'Brien, minister at First Christian Church will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com