William ‘Bill’ O’Brien

William (Bill) Edward O’Brien

Bill O’Brien, 84, of Evergreen Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 26, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was the cherished son of William and Margaret O’Brien. Raised in the vibrant Bridgeport neighborhood, he attended Tilden High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, Bill dedicated himself to his craft as a skilled pipefitter, working tirelessly until his retirement in 1998.

Bill was a man of unwavering devotion, known for his relentless work ethic and deep commitment to providing a better life for his children. His selflessness extended throughout his family, as he spent countless weekends traveling across the Midwest to cheer on his children and grandchildren at wrestling tournaments, a passion he cherished deeply. Bill’s love for his family shone brightest through his 18 grandchildren, whom he supported with boundless enthusiasm at their wrestling, baseball, softball, gymnastics, soccer, rowing, volleyball, football, tennis, track and field, cross country, and rugby events. His presence at their games and matches was a testament to his enduring love and pride.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his brothers, Robert (Doreen) and Patrick (Dennis); his brother & sister-in-law Ron and Mary Ellen Kalchbrenner, sister-in-law Barbara Gromala; his six sons, Timothy (Kari), Michael (Ann), Thomas (Elaine), Daniel (Stacy), William (Annie), and Terrence (Allison); and his 18 adored grandchildren: Bailey (Allie), Brendan, Patrick, Andrew, Liam, Jake, Michael, Ally, Kaitlyn, Kayla, Jack, Caroline, Shannon, Thomas, Maggie, Ethan, Jolene, and Karyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret, and his brother, Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, causes close to Bill’s heart.

A celebration of Bill’s remarkable life will be held starting at 9:00 A.M. on August 14, 2025, at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Evergreen Park, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Following Mass, a funeral procession to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 W 111th St, Alsip for burial, with Military Honors.

Bill’s legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

For more information, please call 708-422-2700.