Obituaries

Fergal O’Brien, 62, of Scranton and formerly of Ireland, died Monday after a brief battle with cancer.
A proud native of County Tipperary, Ireland, Fergal was born on October 26, 1959 to the late Eileen O’Dwyer O’Brien, Fergal moved to New York City in the 80s and became a Litigation Specialist for Entertainment Lawyer, Peter Parcher, whose clientele included many celebrities, most notably, The Rolling Stones. Fergal lived a fast life in NYC, but found his way to Scranton to settle down and start a family. Fergal held various local government positions and was very involved in the Scranton Irish community in the 90s. Fergal founded the Irish Organizations United (IOU) which brought all local Irish communities together to educate on Irish history and promote peace and justice in Northern Ireland. In 1996, Fergal arranged for Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein President, to speak in Scranton at a St. Patrick’s Day Peace Brunch.

Fergal was very talented in the arts including writing, public speaking, and acting. Fergal was incredibly bright, genuine, selfless, kind, and could make anyone laugh even on their worst days. He loved his family and friends but most importantly, his wonderful children. His children were the light of his beautifully fulfilled life whom he reminded every single day of how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. He truly was a rockstar dad, brother, son, and friend loved by so many. He was unforgettable, and the memories with him will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Survived are his loving family, children, Amalia Thomas and husband TJ, Throop, Haley O’Brien, Old Forge, and Sean Horan, and wife, Jennifer, NJ; siblings, Eamon O’Brien, and wife, Maria, Oliver O’Brien, and Wife, Majella, Tomas O’Brien, Eileen Seacy, and husband, Kevin, and Maria Roche, and husband, Pat, all of Ireland; Liam O’Brien, and wife, Noreen, Doylestown, PA, and Claire O’Brien, Scottsdale, AZ;
former wife, Kathryn (Moran) O’Brien and fiance Paul of Scranton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day, at 9:30 AM in St. Peter’s Cathedral, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects from 8:30 AM until the time of the mass at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.