George M. O’Brien

George M. O’Brien – (93) – of 30 East Lake Road (Loon Lake), Cohocton, died Monday morning (December 23, 2013) at the VA Hospital in Bath, following a long illness.

Born in Detroit, MI on July 2, 1920, he was the son of George & Elizabeth (Daly) O’Brien.

When George was 7 years old, he moved to Jersey City, NJ where he graduated from Dickerson High School.  Following graduation, he began his life-long employment and “love affair” with the railroad, spending the next 7 years working for the Erie Railroad.

Following the outbreak of WWII, George enlisted in the US Marine Corp, serving his country from 1942-1946 in many parts of the world, including Guam, Okinawa and China, earning the Bronze Star.  He studied Chinese Brush Painting with Nadia Boring and had several shows of his work during his retirement years.  He was an amazing man and a true gentleman who deserves to be honored for his loyalty & love for his family and country.

After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he resumed his employment with the railroad spending a total of 47 years with the Lackawanna Railroad, Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and Conrail, retiring in 1980.

He was married on January 20, 1945 to the former Beatrice M. “Bea” Kahl who survives.  For many years, they had a passion for dancing, especially “swing”.

Throughout the years, George & Bea resided in about 15 different locations, including Scranton, PA, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Hornell and Loon Lake where they have made their home since 1980.

He had been a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church of Wayland and was a member of the parish council at Sacred Heart Church in Perkinsville.  He had been a member & past president of the Lions Club in Wayland; served as president of the Loon Lake Association; a life member of the Perkinsville Fire Department and a member of the Wayland American Legion. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter O’Brien.

In addition to his wife, Beatrice, surviving are 4 daughters, Bonnie Yannie of Rochester, Maureen Morsch of San Francisco, Lisa (Dennis) Kinney of Henrietta and Lynn (Shawn) Bliven of Franklinville; 2 sons, Dennis (Lynda) O’Brien of Hornell and Billy (Nancy) O’Brien of Trumansburg; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

The family of George M. Obrien will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at the Dagon Funeral Home 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at  noon with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.  A luncheon / celebration of life will follow at the Main Place (formerly Knights of Columbus) on Main St., Hornell.  Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery.

George’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hospice Unite in the Community Living Center, Bath VA Medical Center, Bath, NY 14810.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

In recognition of George’s service to his country during WWII, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.

7 Responses to “George M. O’Brien”

  1. Heidi & Joe McMenamin says:

    We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle George. I (Heidi) remember him fondly. He always had a great joke to tell, a warm smile to give and an awesome hug. He is remembered with kindness and love.

    Love,
    Heidi and Joe

  2. Sandy Weiand Booth says:

    I am very sorry to hear of George’s passing. I will always remember him as a wonderful guy. My thoughts are with Bea and the entire family.

  3. Anne and Lee Rockers says:

    Our deepest sympathy goes out to the O’Brien family. George will always hold a special place in our hearts. He is now forever an angel watching over the ones he loved so dearly. Peace.

  4. Tamra Carroll says:

    I work at the VA in nutrition and food service. George O’Brien was my favorite resident. Whenever I would see him he was always so gracious and grateful and would take my hand and say thank you so much. He would sit and look out the window and say “isn’t the sky so beautiful, look at those clouds.” He always had music playing in his room and would sing along and I always enjoyed those moments in passing. I happened to be on the position the night of the 22nd that delivers trays to hospice unit. When I saw George’s tray ticket I knew right away it was his time to go. When I went to his room I was overcome with sadness. I bent down and said I love you and I will miss seeing you George . My heart goes out to the family.

  5. Joanne and Dick Noonen says:

    Our deepest sympathy. We are very sorry to hear of George’s passing. Our prayers are with you, Bea, and with your nice family.

  6. Jane Salles says:

    Dear Bea and family. So sorry to hear of George’s passing. I never got to meet him but my daughter Carrie kept me in touch with his progress. I know he will be missed. God Bless the family Jane Salles

  7. Donald Guth says:

    Bea and Family, my deepest sympathy you you on the passing of George. He will be in my prayers as you will all be.
    My dad and mom were Donald & Isabell Guth of Jersey City. My Grandparents were Victor & Helen (O’Brien) Guth