Obituary of William O'Brien

William O'Brien, 81, passed away peacefully at the Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, July 25, 2009. Bill was born in Schenectady on September 9, 1927, the son of the late William B. and Mildred Cromme O'Brien. He graduated from Nott Terrace High School in January 1946 and from Siena College in 1950. Bill spent many years as a sales service engineer for Crucible Steel Company, servicing their General Electric Company accounts. Later, he joined General Electric as an employee relations specialist, retiring in May 1988. Bill was a devoted member of St. Luke's Parish, where he taught religious education, was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a former Board President of Catholic Charities of Schenectady County and also served in the Diocesan Board of Catholic Charities. He was a past president of the Notre Dame Fathers' Club and for over 25 years, was a season ticket holder and ardent fan of Siena basketball. Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Braun O'Brien; his daughter, Sheila O'Brien of Niskayuna; and his son, Kevin and daughter-in-law, Maureen O'Brien of Burlington, Vermont; daughter-in-law, Joyce O'Brien of New Lebanon, NY; six granddaughters, Kaitlin, Molly, Kelly and Allison O'Brien of Burlington and Kayla Grant and Megan O'Brien of New Lebanon. Also surviving is his sister, Marcia Stockweather of Normal, Illinois, and sister-in-law, Shirley O'Brien of Niskayuna and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Timothy in 2005 and his brother, Terrence in 2007. Funeral service Wednesday morning at 10:30 from the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., and 11 a.m. at St. Luke's Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment in Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum, Niskayuna. Calling hours Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff of the Baptist Health and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care and support given to Bill during his stay. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Baptist Health and Rehabilitation Center, 297 N. Ballston Ave., Scotia, or St. Luke's Church Restoration Fund, 1241 State St., Schenectady.