John "Jack" Alexander O'Brien

John "Jack" Alexander O’Brien

May 16, 1938 – December 12, 2024

Jack O’Brien, a proud Irish American, dedicated community member, loving family man, and military veteran, passed away on December 12, 2024, at his longtime home in Upper Marlboro, MD. He was 86 years old.

Born in Washington, DC, on May 16, 1938, to Thomas and Anne O’Brien, who immigrated from Ireland in the 1930s, Jack was deeply proud of his heritage and carried the values of hard work, devotion, and community service throughout his life. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Regina Cord O’Brien, and their son, Stephen Cord O’Brien. He is survived by his devoted son, Timothy Casey O’Brien, and his three cherished grandchildren, Casey, Alexander, and Zachary O’Brien. Jack was also the dear brother of Michael O’Brien, the late Thomas Joseph O’Brien, and Kathleen Wood, and a loving brother-in-law to Eleanor Coene, Ann O’Brien, Marilyn O’Brien, and Thomas Wood. He was a steadfast supporter and mentor to numerous other family members and friends, offering wisdom and guidance whenever it was needed.

Jack’s education was grounded in Washington, DC, where he attended St. Martin’s Grade School and graduated from McKinley Tech High School. After completing his education, Jack proudly served in the Army National Guard, where he demonstrated the same sense of duty and dedication that would mark the rest of his life. His military service was a source of pride, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to his country and community.

Following his time in the National Guard, Jack began a successful career at the Government Printing Office and served as a Union official for over 38 years. His career was a testament to his work ethic, dedication, and commitment to supporting his fellow workers.

Jack was deeply involved in the Irish American community and made significant contributions to preserving and honoring Irish culture and history. He was a devoted member of several Irish American organizations, most notably the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he served as a National Life Member, as well as being a member of the Irish American Unity Conference and the Irish American Club. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to Irish heritage, Jack was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Washington, DC, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a distinction he cherished deeply.

Jack’s leadership and political acumen were instrumental in numerous projects aimed at maintaining and celebrating Irish heritage. Among his many contributions, he was proud to have curated the Irish Brigade Monument at Antietam National Battlefield. His work on the monument, dedicated to the brave Irish soldiers who fought in the Civil War, was a labor of love, ensuring that the legacy of the Irish Brigade and their sacrifices would not be forgotten. He was also a driving force behind the creation and preservation of several other Irish monuments in the Washington, DC, area. One of his most notable projects was the Commodore John Barry Memorial at the Naval entrance gate in Annapolis, MD. More recently, Jack worked to help rededicate the Nuns of the Battlefield Monument wayside marker outside St. Matthew's Cathedral in DC, which honors the courage and sacrifice of Irish American nuns who served during the Civil War.

Throughout his life, Jack was a passionate advocate for a united Ireland and for keeping Irish history alive for future generations.

Jack and Regina’s lives were profoundly shaped by the loss of their beloved son, Stephen Cord O’Brien. The grief they experienced from his passing was a heavy burden, but Jack’s strength and unwavering support for Regina during this difficult time reflected his deep love and commitment to his family. Although the loss of Stephen left an irreplaceable void, Jack and Regina found comfort and joy in their enduring relationship with Pam, and their cherished grandsons, Alexander, and Zachary. The love they shared with Pam and the grandsons brought light into their lives during the darkest of times.

Jack was not only a pillar of strength in the community, but also a deeply devoted husband. In the final years of his wife Regina’s life, Jack became her unwavering caregiver, providing her with love, compassion, and comfort during her illness. His dedication to Regina, as well as his ability to balance his personal responsibilities with grace and tenderness, exemplified the depth of his character. The way Jack cared for Regina, especially in her final days, was a testament to the enduring love they shared.

Above all, Jack was known for his warmth, generosity, and the unwavering love he had for his family. His strength, wisdom, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be remembered not only for his dedication to Irish American affairs but also for his role as a loving father, grandfather, and brother.

May Jack O’Brien’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Memorial Services: 

The family will receive friends for memorial viewings on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Beall Funeral Home, located at 6512 NW Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Ascension Catholic Church, located at 12700 Lanham Severn Rd, Bowie, MD 20720. Followed by a Celebration of Life that will be held at the Knights of Columbus located at 9450 Cherry Hill Road, College Park, MD 20740.

The family will join for a burial at Charles Memorial Gardens on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions for the John Barry Division AOH Charitable Fund may be sent to: 

c/o Ryan P. Mulvey, Executive Secretary 4103 Sheridan Street University Park, MD 20782

For more information, or to donate electronically, please contact johnbarryfund@gmail.com