William Joseph "Joe" O'Brien

William O’Brien

CHARLESTON – William Joseph “Joe” O’Brien, 71, of Charleston, passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at SBLHC.

His Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 28, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mattoon, with Father John Titus officiating.  Inurnment with military rites will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the church.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.  Memorials: Paul McVey V.F.W. Post #1592.

Joe was born January 16, 1947 in Macon County, Illinois, son of Donald W. and Caroline A. (Hays) O’Brien.  He married Judy Kay Finley, November 17, 1972; she preceded him in death, November 24, 2004.  He is survived by two brothers:

Michael (Moira) O’Brien of Bloomingdale, NJ and Stephen (Susan) O’Brien of Mattoon; and three sisters: Mary (John) Olson of Bloomington,

Madonna (Bob) Burtschi of Oreana, and Regina Welch of Arkansas.  Two brother’s-in-law: David (Lynn) Finley of Charleston and John (Sue) Finley of Mattoon; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister: Susan Swanson and her husband Lloyd, and brother-in-law: Chuck Finley and his wife Jodi.

Joe retired from Blaw-Knox, where he had been a tool and die maker.  He served in the U.S. Air Force.  Joe was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mattoon American Legion, and the Charleston Moose Lodge.  He loved camping, fishing, and hunting.

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