John O'Brien obituary: John O'Brien's Obituary, Orlando
In Memory Of
John E. O'Brien
1932 - 2016
In Memory Of
John E. O'Brien
1932 - 2016
October 21, 1932 to December 22, 2016
Born and raised in Jeannette, PA, Jack excelled in High School athletics. Jack graduated from Jeannette High School in 1950 and accepted a football scholarship to the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree while he excelled on the gridiron, being named Gator Captain in 1953 and leading the Gators to their first ever bowl game appearance winning the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville against Tulsa. Jack played professional football, being drafted in 1954 by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League where he spent three years and then went on to play for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League where an injury ended his playing career. He spent the next 40 years teaching and coaching at the High School level at Boone HS in Orlando and Titusville HS in Titusville and also coached at the college level (Texas A&M University), Semi-pro level (Orlando Broncos) and professionally in the Continental Football League (Orlando Panthers and Wheeling Ironmen).
After teaching at Titusville HS for 32 years, he retired in 1998 to Astor, Fl. where he enjoyed boating and fishing on the St. Johns River daily.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Gladys O’Brien, son Jack Jr. and Sister Claudia Domer. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Wilma Tragesser O’Brien, Son Daniel O’Brien and wife Patti, Brother Joseph and wife Brenda, Grandchildren, Erin Akins, Eric Hepburn and Kelly Cole with three great grandchildren Kayleigh, Chloe and Simon and his beloved English Bulldog Lucy.
October 21, 1932 to December 22, 2016
Born and raised in Jeannette, PA, Jack excelled in High School athletics. Jack graduated from Jeannette High School in 1950 and accepted a football scholarship to the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree while he excelled on the gridiron, being named Gator Captain in 1953 and leading the Gators to their first ever bowl game appearance winning the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville against Tulsa. Jack played professional football, being drafted in 1954 by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League where he spent three years and then went on to play for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League where an injury ended his playing career. He spent the next 40 years teaching and coaching at the High School level at Boone HS in Orlando and Titusville HS in Titusville and also coached at the college level (Texas A&M University), Semi-pro level (Orlando Broncos) and professionally in the Continental Football League (Orlando Panthers and Wheeling Ironmen).
After teaching at Titusville HS for 32 years, he retired in 1998 to Astor, Fl. where he enjoyed boating and fishing on the St. Johns River daily.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Gladys O’Brien, son Jack Jr. and Sister Claudia Domer. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Wilma Tragesser O’Brien, Son Daniel O’Brien and wife Patti, Brother Joseph and wife Brenda, Grandchildren, Erin Akins, Eric Hepburn and Kelly Cole with three great grandchildren Kayleigh, Chloe and Simon and his beloved English Bulldog Lucy.
Services & Gatherings
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
2400 South Washington Avenue
Titusville, FL 32780
Directions & Map
Service
Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 11:00am
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Mims, Florida
Space Coast Chapel (321-269-6000) is assisting the family
Space Coast Chapel (321-269-6000) is assisting the family