John R. O'Brien

On December 29, 2018, John Rusch O’Brien, the self-appointed Chairman of the Board, picked up his ball and left the 18th green for the last time. He has cashed in his always winning chips, and corked his last bottle. He was born July 17, 1935 in Chicago, to John R. and Helen (Rusch) O’Brien.

He lived in Allentown and Reading, PA, and later Glen Ellyn, IL and Chesterfield, MO. He was a direct descendent of Frederick Leaser who secretly hauled the Liberty Bell from Philadelphia to Allentown in revolutionary times to protect it from being captured by the British.

John worked his way up in the Health Insurance ranks after his discharge from the service, he started with Equitable Life, then joined Reliance Life, Kemper Insurance, National Casualty, and to the helm of his own Marketing and Opportunities, Inc. He never took any Wooden Nickels.

He is survived by his brother Kevin (Julie). His children Sean (Kathy), Erin (Steve) Basler, Kerry (Amy), and Holly (Tony) Ligenza. His grandchildren Jack (Amy), Blake, Annie and Evan O’Brien, Jason and Morgan (Samantha) Fox, Cassie and Carly Basler, Halley and Connor McLean, Michan O’Brien and Jessie and Mary Ann Ligenza, grandchildren Anthony & Isabella Fox, nieces JenniferJudlin, Tina Gentile, Deborah Golden & Alison Blaum, and nephew John O’Brien. He was preceded in death by his his wife Marguerite (Peggy).

Funeral Mass Saturday, January 5 at 10 AM at St. James the Apostle Church,480 S. Park Blvd. Glen Ellyn. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Catholic Charities. https://www.catholiccharities.net/DonateNow/MemorialHonorGifts.aspx. Arrangement are being made by www.leonardmemorialhome.com  / (630) 469-0032), 565 Duane St. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

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