Fr. Walter O'Brien O.F.M. CAP.

1912-2013

The Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their beloved brother Father Walter O’Brien, O.F.M. Cap., who died in Yonkers, NY on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the age of 100. For over 82 years Fr. Walter faithfully served the people of God and was the oldest living Capuchin friar in the United States.

Fr. Walter was born on October 20, 1912 in New York City. He entered the Capuchins on July 22, 1930 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 20, 1937.

During his 75 years as priest, Fr. Walter served in many Capuchin parishes and ministries including St. Michael, Brooklyn, NY from 1938-1942 and 1946-1952; St. John the Baptist, NYC 1952-1957 and 1964-1981; Sacred Heart, Yonkers, NY 1981-1982; and St. Francis Chapel, Springfield, MA 1982-1999.

During WWII Fr. Walter volunteered as a US Army Chaplain and served in the South Pacific, Japan and Korea and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Fr. Walter was the founding pastor of the Capuchin Franciscan parish of St. Pius X, Middletown, CT where he ministered from 1957-1964 and 1999-2007. From 1961-1970 Fr. Walter was elected by the friars and served on the Provincial Council as councilor and advisor in Province matters.

On June 5, 2007 Fr. Walter joined the senior friar community of St. Clare in Yonkers, NY where he resided until the time of his death.

Fr. Walter was survived by his nieces and nephews and the children Frank and Marion Nevin, Thomas and Kathy Nevin, Deborah and Anthony Ryan, and Alice O’Brien.

A wake service will be held in Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703 at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Viewing will continue until 8:00 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2013. Interment will be held in the Province of St. Mary Cemetery followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, your generosity would be appreciated in support St. Clare Friary, our senior friar residence also located at 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703.

Whalen & Ball Funeral Home

168 Park Ave.

Yonkers, N.Y. 10703

(914)965-5488

www.whalenandballfh.com