Larry O'Brien

Larry O'Brien, age 58, beloved husband of Nickie, nee Brandel; cherished son of John & Rita, nee Fenton, O'Brien; loving step-father of Paul Everett, Jr., Danielle Everett, and Brian Everett; dear brother of Jack (Linda), Jim (Mary), Marita, Marianne (Paul) Vlasek, Mike, and Tom (Terese); fond uncle. Visitation Tuesday 3-8 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services will begin Wednesday 9:00 am and proceed to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Mass 10:00 am. Interment Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery. In Larry's memory, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1801 S. Meyers Rd, Ste 100, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 6018l. For information call (630) 964-9392.

Larry was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Larry was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Larry knew him as a well-respected man.

Larry was born on September 30, 1951 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. His parents were John & Rita O'Brien. Larry was raised in Chicago. Even as a youngster, His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Larry was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the peacemaker of the family. Larry was raised with six siblings. He had Jack, Jim, Marita, Marianne, Mike & Tom. .

Larry's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Larry enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Larry took part insoftball and golf. In his spare time he liked to sample all sports.

In school, Larry was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. A logical and focused thinker, Larry was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. He graduated from Brother Rice High School in 1969. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Phys Ed.

Larry’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from St. Precopius (Illinois Benedictine College / Benedictine University). Even though Larry enjoyed St. Procopius, he would certainly say that his favorite school was Notre Dame.

Larry was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Larry came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, one of his best friends grade school friends was Mike Laskero. In college Larry became friends with Gary & Dave Boch, Jack Majkowski, Jim Foreman and Kevin Twadell.

An objective and conscientious individual, Larry reveled in the security of his family. On October 4, 2008 Larry exchanged wedding vows with Nicolet Brandel-Everett at the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church of Naperville, Illinois. One of Larry’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friendslike the Super bowl parties. Larry was blessed with two step-sons Paul & Brian and one step-daughter Danielle.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Larry was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Larry upheld his standards. His primary occupation was at Gray Mills in Chicago for 20 years. He was employed more recently in his second career as a flight attendant for American Eagle Airlines. Larry only did this for two years, but really enjoyed it. Larry was a team player.

Larry approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. He appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were golfing, boating, camping, traveling, & biking. He was enthusiastic about all Chicago sports. Larry was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Larry to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golf and biking. In addition to being an avid golfer, Larry was also an A1 caddy. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were his beloved Chicago White Sox.

Being generous with his time and energy, Larry liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. Larry was a member of the Relay for Life by the American Cancer Society.

Faith was important to Larry. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic parish. During that time, he provided A/V support for the Lumen Christi Choir.

Favorite vacations included Ireland, Cabo San Lucas, Carribean Islands, Hawaii and the Smokey Mountains.

Larry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Larry’s dogs are Bella & Lacy. His family was rounded out by his cat Willie.

He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others. Larry O'Brien did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.