Obituary of James H. O'Brien

James H. O'Brien, age 86, beloved husband of Mary Drew O'Brien of Stratford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at Bridgeport Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born in The Bronx, New York on January 23, 1936, he was the son of the late John and Sarah O'Brien and was a longtime resident of Stratford. Jim was a proud graduate of Fordham Prep and Fordham University where he was a Golden Ram. Following college, he was a U. S. Army PFC where he held crypto security clearance. Jim worked in sales for IBM, Xerox Learning Systems, Flight Safety International, and Drew Professional Recruiters. He coached soccer for many years, earning the Sterling House Debbie Diaz Sportsmanship award. Jim lived a full life cheering on the Giants, winning many hands of blackjack, and keeping his mind sharp with sudoku and crossword puzzles. He charmed everyone with his Irish wit and had a kind word for every person he met. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his beloved wife Mary of 33 years, he is survived by his five loving children, Amy Nachazel (Jim), Paul O'Brien, Kari Corazza (Tony), Michele Viele (Eric) and Sarah O'Brien, sister, Marion Corry, sister-in-law, Mary O'Brien, and 15 grandchildren, Michael, Alexander & Jonathan Nachazel, Josette, Sophia, Genevieve, Jesse & Colton Corazza, Connor, Nathan & Gavin Garbrecht, Samantha & Ethan Viele, and Nina & Tatiana Matura, as well as many loving family members and friends. He was predeceased by his grandson, Jacob Garbrecht, brother, John O'Brien, and brother-in-law, Marty Corry.

We are eternally grateful to all of the first responders and healthcare professionals who helped us care for Jim.

All are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Church, 651 Stratford Road, Stratford on Saturday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Friends may greet the family on Friday, October 28 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's memory to the Sterling House Food Pantry, 2283 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615