James Richard "Dick" O'Brien, 79, of Toronto, passed away Friday, January 12, 2007 at his home.Dick was born October 2, 1927 in Toronto, son of the late John and Irene (Abrams) O'Brien. He was a graduate of TorontoHigh School Class of 1945.Dick served his country during WWII as a member of the US Army Air Corp.Dick and his wife Barbara Jean (Hughes) were married on Oct. 17, 1945 and had just celebrated 61 years together.He was retired from National Steel where he worked for 38 years as a strip steel welder mechanic.Dick's many hobbies included gardening, hunting, watching football and Jeopardy and deep sea fishing off the coast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina.Dick was a member of the Toronto Rod and Gun Club and he also was an avid reader among many other things.Dick will be remembered by his family as being a wonderful and loving husband and father.In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by one infant daughter, Suzanne; one brother, John O'Brien; two sisters, Elizabeth Fitzgerald and Mary O'Brien.In addition to his wife, Barbara, Dick is survived by his son, Richard; two daughters, Cynthia J. Sweeney and Judy (Mike) Yacos all of Toronto.He is also survived by three brothers, Rev. Robert (Eleanor) O'Brien of Pennsylvania, Tom (Jackie) O'Brien of Woodsfield, OH, and Ralph "Moe" (Carol) of Covington, KY; six grandchildren, Barry Sweeney, Mark Huber, Barbara Sweeney, Brian Huber, Patrick O'Brien, and Andrew O'Brien whom Dick has always dreamed of going flying with someday; one great-granddaughter, Kaylyn Huber.Friends and family may call on Sunday evening from 7-9pm and Monday 2-4 and 7-9pm at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto.Dick's service will be held on Tuesday at 2pm with the Rev. Kevin Rinkes officiating and a burial to follow at TorontoUnionCemetery where the Toronto American Legion will present full military honors.In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Valley Hospice, 380 Summit Ave., Steubenville, OH43952 or TorontoHigh School Alumni Assoc., 102 North Third St., Toronto, OH43964.For directions and online condolences visit www.jefosterfh.com

Service Information

A service summary is not available