John T. O’Brien, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on Noc. 8, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by love and holding the hand of his wife Karen of 57 years. He was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx by Edward and Cecelia along with his older brothers Edward and Donald. He was a De La Salle Christian Brother for 16 years, during which time he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature, and Master’s degrees in Spanish and Religious Education. He would then go on to earn another Masters’s degree in Administration and have a long career as a Spanish teacher and Vice Principal at Byram Hills High School.
John and Karen O’Brien raised their own family and built a community for over 55 years in Jefferson Valley, NY. John will be deeply missed by his son, Sean O’Brien and daughter-in-law Stacey, and his granddaughters Bailey, Jackie and Morgan, his daughter, Maureen Hickey and son-in-law Patrick, and his grandsons Patrick, Kevin and Kyle, and his youngest daughter, Tiffany, too.
John was a brilliant, thoughtful and selfless human whose generosity was unmatched, but he was also an incredible friend who brought joy and laughter consistently and with ease. Together, John and Karen traveled the world, though they lost track of how often they jumped in the car to visit family in Florida and Chicago. Because above all else, family meant everything to John. He would never brag about himself, but he was so proud of his children and grandchildren, and he never failed to give credit for his amazing life to his beautiful wife. His loss is immeasurable, as was his love.
Information provided by Yorktown Funeral Home
