Harold J. O'Brien

Surrounded by his loving family, Harold J. O’Brien, age 79, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2012, at Oak Ridge Care Center, Union Grove. Harold was born in Darlington, WI, on July 17, 1932, son of the late Benjamin and Mary (Nee: McKeon) O’Brien.

After graduating from Darlington High School, Harold played ball for the Minnesota Twins. He then enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served during the Korean War. On November 12, 1955, in Mineral Point he was united in marriage to Florence L. Mick.

Harold owned and operated O’Brien Plumbing Inc. and in his younger years was employed by Advance Plumbing. Harold was a member of the American Legion Post 494 and Plumbers Union Local 118. An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Harold enjoyed hunting, muskie fishing, snowmobiling, golfing and bowling. More than anything, he treasured time with his grandchildren and family. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-six years, Florence; his children, Debra (Cleveland) Casey, Sharon (Joseph) Ricchio, Steve O’Brien, Ken (Jana) O’Brien, Kim Roscizewski; his grandchildren, Lyle Casey, Josh Casey, Jeff (Catherine) Ricchio, James Ricchio (fiancé, Alyssa Wilson), Kate Ricchio, Jared Ricchio, Peter O’Brien, Miranda O’Brien, Jena Roscizewski, Staci Roscizewski; his great-grandchildren, Tyler Santi, Gianna Ricchio; brothers and sisters, Francis (Leisha) O’Brien, Paul O’Brien, Mike (Helen) O’Brien, Gary (Betty) O’Brien, Mary Karow, Jean (Phil) Stopper, Joan (Del) Carey; sisters-in-law Henrietta O’Brien, Eileen Mick, Joanne Mick; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Larry, Melvin, Donald, and Judy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 11 a.m. at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. Richard J. Molter officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Thursday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m.

Harold’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Oak Ridge staff and Odyssey Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888