James O'Brien

James P O’Brien passed peacefully Friday April 9, 2021 surrounded by loved ones after fighting complications with Pneumonia and other factors.

Son of immigrants from Northern Donegal (James O’Brien and Marjory Ferry).

He and his sister (Maryann) grew up In Southwest Philadelphia.

He attended Most Blessed Sacrament parish grade school and West Catholic High School.

James kept an active role with the West Catholic Alumni Association. Right out of High School, he attained a job with Burroughs Corporation as a Procurement specialist. While working days, James attended St. Joseph’s University night school. He remained with the same company for 45 years through several mergers and acquisitions, eventually retiring from what became Unisys Corporation.

In his youth, James was an active member of the US National Guard with an Honorable Discharge after 6 years. He was an active & avid member of the American Legion calling Post #331 in Stone Harbor home.

In addition to their time in Springfield & summers in Stone Harbor, James and Harriet were fortunate to spend several winters in Florida surrounded by a close group of lifelong friends.

James met the love of his life, Harriet E O’Brien (Milligan) and they were married on September 9, 1967. Their son, James D was born on their 5th anniversary in 1972. Living in Yeadon and then eventually calling Springfield (Delaware County PA) home for over 48 years. James had a love for photography and was the family videographer documenting almost every event he attended. He and Harriet shared a love for travel, which led them and many friends on adventures around the globe. James was a selfless, gentle, kind, and generous person who always went out of his way to make sure friends and family were at ease and taken care of. He will be missed tremendously. He is survived by his loving wife, Harriet E O’Brien (Milligan); Son, James D O’Brien; Sister, Maryann Curran (the late Patrick); In-laws, Robert & Agnes Milligan - Maryann & Frank DiIllio – Elizabeth Gallagher (the late Joseph), and several loving nieces, nephews & extended family.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10-11 AM Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA 19064, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 AM. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed via The Donohue Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome/ . Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, http://www.stjude.org/donate , would be appreciated.