Obituary of John D. "Jack" O'Brien

John D. "Jack" O'Brien, 92, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2018 in the Haven Hospice at JFK Medical Center in Edison. Born and raised in Elizabeth Jack settled to South Plainfield along with his late wife of 65 years, Elizabeth, in 1957. Jack graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Elizabeth and shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Mr. O'Brien served our country during WWII. He was stationed overseas in the South Pacific and served with the 72nd Bomb Squadron as a Tail Gunner on B-24 Bombers. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning from the War, Jack attended Seton Hall University and earned his B. S Degree in Chemistry. After entering the work force, Mr. O'Brien worked as a Research Chemist for Glaxo Smith Kline Research Co., formerly of Piscataway and retired after 25 years of service. He was a former baseball coach at the South Plainfield Little League and while his grandchildren were growing up he loved attending all of their sporting activities and events. In addition to his Late wife Elizabeth, John is also predeceased by his brother Kenneth and is survived by his four children, Barbara Garinello (Larry), Patricia Cleary (Michael Sr.), and John David, all of South Plainfield and Joan George (Jeff) of Warren, five grandchildren, Michael Cleary Jr. (Jessica), Matthew Cleary (Sarah), Lauren Lukacs (Aron), Kristen George (Ben) and Jeffrey George Jr. and six great grandchildren, Grace, Liam, Scott, Chloe`, Cole and Lucy. Funeral services will begin on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 9:15AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080 followed by a 10AM Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart RC Church, South Plainfield at 10AM. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 from 2-4PM and 6-8PM in the funeral home. Cremation services will be held privately. Jack and Elizabeth will be placed to rest at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Haven Hospice c/o JFK Medical center, 65 James St. Edison, NJ 08817