Joseph V. O'Brien

Joseph Vincent O'Brien III was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Joseph will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

He was the son of Joseph and Margaret O'Brien. Joseph grew up in Boston, MA and Torrance, CA.

Joseph was raised with three siblings. He had one younger brother, Jerry, and two younger sisters, Maureen and Diane. Joseph was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

He graduated from South High School in 1963. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Joseph enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Later in life, he became friends with Lois Fisher, Cheryl Butler, Vaselia and Dee Mershon, and Judy and Richard Gibson.

On January 8, 1972 Joseph exchanged wedding vows with Carol Louise Shelby at Nativity Catholic Church of Torrance, CA. Empathic and loyal, Joseph was committed to making his new family happy.

Joseph worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Joseph was blessed with four sons, Dennis, Michael, Joey, and Kevin. Another blessing for Joseph was the gift of one granddaughter, Kylie.

Fortunately, Joseph enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Joseph worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a can line technician. He was employed for 35 years by Reynolds Metals/Ball Corp. Joseph always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Joseph was an Army veteran. He was in the C Troop, 315th Cav., 9th Inf. Joseph saw action for two years in Vietnam. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Sgt, E-5. He received several awards recognizing him for his service, including a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Joseph enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was reading. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Joseph found pleasure in sports. Joseph was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list was soccer, soccer, and more soccer.

Joseph was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, serving on committees for the School Attendance Review Board and the PTA.

Joseph enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included travelling to tropical islands with Carol.

When Joseph’s retirement finally arrived in 2001, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to North Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in enjoying his time alone with his wife, Carol. Even in retirement, Joseph continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Joseph was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Joseph passed away on August 28, 2011 at Centennial Hills Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He died suddenly at home. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his mother, Margaret; his brother, Jerry; his sisters, Diane and Maureen; his children, Dennis, Michael, Joey and Kevin; and his granddaughter, Kylie. Services were held at Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery. Joseph was laid to rest in Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

Simply stated, Joseph was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Joseph leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Joseph Vincent O'Brien III.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Northwest Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.