Paul O'Brien

Paul was born in San Jose, CA on May 4, 1962. His parents, Keith and Eileen O’Brien raised him and his siblings Loretta, Karen, Tim and James in Fremont, Ca. Paul graduated from Irvington High School and attended Ohlone College. Paul married Grace Serrie on September 26th, 1987. Together they raised Shani Katherine O’Brien, an accomplished speech pathologist who resides in Boulder, CO.

Paul was loved by everyone and had no enemies. He was a loving brother, husband, father and friend. Paul could be counted on to support his family and friends in celebration and in crisis. Paul started his career working in factory production and construction and transitioned into the high tech sector in 1996. Paul worked at Palm Computing, Symbol, VM Ware, Savi Technology, Wildfire and most recently, Google.

Paul’s greatest delight and love were his family and friends. His love for his daughter Shani could not be measured; she was his greatest pride and joy. Paul has many varied interests including wood- working golfing, playing the guitar, drumming, motorcycle (street and track) riding, fine wine and most recently running and endurance training. Paul was an accomplished grill chef and his skills at roasting turkeys over wood fires on every Thanksgiving in Oregon were legendary. One of Paul’s remarkable abilities was to master new skills quickly, whether in his career, at home or with his hobbies. When Paul started motorcycle track riding it was only a short time before he accomplished the goal of “dragging the knee”.

Paul’s sense of humor was well known. No one could tell a story like Paul to the delight of his family and friends. His pranks, sense of humor, and wit where enhanced by the love he felt for those around him. His generosity to his friends and family provided happiness and comfort, eased pain, and gave him peace. His kitties Tisby and Nunley were a source of laughter and contentment. We will never forget our Paul, who charmed us all and cared for us so deeply. He touched the lives of many, and never planned to leave us this way.

Paul is survived by his wife Gracie, his daughter Shani, his siblings James, Loretta, Karen and Tim, brother and sister in-laws Jules, Alan, Dyanne, Charlie, Cherie; Gracie’s parents Anita and Charlie, nieces and nephews Joe, Jennifer, Jessica, Joe, Mercedes, Melissa, Carly, Josey, and Brenna . His dearest friends Tom, Victoria, Kathy, Yannick, Fred, Charlie, Mark, Mark, Bev, David, Jocelyn, Bubba, Brice, Rick, and so many others grieve together for the loss of a husband, brother, father, uncle, and treasured friend.

Contributions in Paul’s name may be made to the Human Society of Santa Clara in honor of the cat program.

Services will be held Tuesday, November 18th at 2pm at the Lima Family Erikson Memorial Chapel on 710 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95123.