Obituary of Eugene Joseph O'Brien

Eugene Joseph O'Brien, 75, of North Cape May passed away after a battle with cancer on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 with his wife by his side. He was born July 13, 1936 to William J O'Brien & Josephine A (nee Orr) O'Brien in Holmes, PA. The family relocated to North Wildwood where Eugene attended St Ann Regional School and graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School in 1955. He received his Bachelors of Science in finance in 1961 from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Gene was also a Certified Public Manager from Rutgers University. He retired from Woodbine Developmental Center in 1991 after holding the title of Director of Personnel for 26 years. Gene then became employed by the Cape May National Golf Course for the next 21 years. He co-hosted the Celtic Hour Radio Show at WCFA Center for Community Arts with his dear friend Harry Patterson every Saturday afternoon. Together they shared their love of all things Irish. Gene was very active in his community; and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #2 All Irish Martyrs of Cape May County where he was a past vice president, recording secretary, & sentinel. He was also a past president of the Wildwood Jaycees; a life member & past Exalted Ruler (1970-1971) of North Wildwood Elks Lodge #1896, a past member of the Cape May Emerald Society; and a past member of the North Wildwood Rescue Squad. Gene is survived by his wife Phyllis (Moncher) O'Brien; has daughters: Kelly O'Brien-Baker (Nick Herman), Tracy O'Brien (Victor D'Andrea), & Louise O'Brien-Marshall (Phillip). Also surviving are his grandchildren: April, Jamie, Maxine, Mary Beth, Daniel, Jason, & Dara. He was predeceased by his brother William J O'Brien and his sister Mary Jo Gallaher (O'Brien). There will be a Mass of Christian Burial said by Father John O'Leary at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 9, 2012 at Our Lady of Angels RC Church, 35 E Mechanic St, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210; where friends will be received from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #2 of Cape May County, c/o Michael Hagen, 1817 S Shore Rd, Saeville, NJ 08230.