John J O'Brien

February 16th, 1931 to January 3rd, 2025

John J. O’Brien, 93, formerly of Marysville, passed from life to life on January 3, 2025 with family by his side. He was a man of deep faith in our Savior Jesus.

John was born on February 16, 1931 in Detroit to Clarence and Emily O’Brien. He was a graduate of Cass Technical High School, and earned Bachelor and Master’s degrees in education from Wayne State University and Michigan State University.

John served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He then taught at junior high and high school levels for many years, mostly with the Port Huron Area School District. When asked what he taught, his reply was always “kids”, because, to him, the students were what mattered. John finished his career as a vocational education administrator with the Macomb County Regional Education Service Center. He received recognition for his outstanding work from the Michigan Council of Vocational Administrators.

John married his love and best friend, Joan Sheldon, on June 19, 1954 and they were blessed with more than 63 years together before her passing in 2018. Together, they raised five children. He loved his family very much and was an example of devotion especially as he provided tender care to Joan in her last years. He was a source of wisdom and inspiration.

He was a long time member of Holy Trinity Parish where he served on the parish council, was a lector and a Eucharistic minister, and led and participated in Bible studies. He completed a pastoral ministries program at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. He volunteered with many local service organizations including Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Mid City Nutrition, and SOS Marysville Food Pantry. He was a docent for the Thomas Edison Depot Museum. He enjoyed running and was proud of the three marathons that he completed. He was an avid reader, and you could never beat him in Scrabble.

John will be dearly missed by his children and their spouses: Julia Sullivan, Patty and Jeff Troy, David and Joyce O’Brien, Dan and Luz O’Brien and daughter-in-law, Donna Swarbrick; grandchildren (and spouses): Tim (Kelly) Troy, Emily (Markus) Sullivan, Fr. Jeremy (Allison) Troy, Brian (Ambrosia) Sullivan, Kristen (Brandon) Boxberger and Jordy, Arron, Cameron (Rachel), Donavan and Charlie O’Brien; four great grandchildren: Brendan, Parker, Jonathon and Pierson, with a fifth great grandchild expected soon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, a son, John O’Brien, son-in-law, Brian Sullivan and siblings Frank O’Brien, Mary Zambelli, and Barb Harrison.

The family would like to express our deep thanks and love for the caregivers and entire staff at Lakeshore Woods Assisted Living Community. The tenderness and devotion with which they cared for our dad will always be in our hearts.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Karrer Simpson Funeral Home from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m., with a prayer service planned for 6 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 9th at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend Bradley Forintos will officiate.

Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron.

Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, or SOS Food Pantry. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com

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