William Patrick O’Brien
William “Bill” Patrick O’Brien, 77, of Charlotte, a doting husband, loving compassionate father, and epic grandfather, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Bill was born March 20, 1948 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, New York the son of William and Catherine (Hogan) O’Brien.
Bill O’Brien received his early education at St. Brigid Catholic School in Brooklyn, New York, and went on to graduate from St. John’s Preparatory High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in 1965. He continued his studies at the Academy of Aeronautics in LaGuardia, New York, graduating in 1968. In February 1969, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. It was during his time in the service that he met the love of his life, Catherine, on a blind date. Just six months later, the two were married on February 6, 1971 and returned to New York to begin their life together.
After completing his military service, Bill began a long and dedicated career with Xerox, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring. Retirement, however, did not quite suit Bill’s active spirit, and he soon found himself back at work, this time with Delta Airlines, where he spent another decade doing what he loved: staying busy and connecting with people.
Bill was a man of many talents and boundless energy. He cherished time spent with his children, often leading by example as a Cub Scout leader and always ready with a laugh or a story. Never one to sit still, he also ran a nursery farm on the side and took pride in rebuilding a 1945 Minneapolis-Moline tractor from the ground up. Whether building, fixing, or inventing, Bill had a natural gift for solving problems and bringing ideas to life. Bill treasured the adventures he shared with his wife and family. He especially loved traveling, with cherished memories from vacations in Spain and an unforgettable African safari.
Bill was a devoted father who led by powerful example, instilling a strong work ethic in his children every day, not through lectures, but through his actions. He lived by principles that emphasized never complaining, a deep love for problem-solving, keeping life centered around family, and trusting that prayer is a steady companion through all seasons. Bill’s no-nonsense approach was rooted in love, discipline, humility, and deep integrity, values that shaped not only his children but all who had the privilege of knowing him. Bill will be remembered for his countless story sharing, ability to find common ground with anyone, his kindness, generosity and jovial spirit (especially his laugh), and the deep love he shared with those around him.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Catherine Marie O’Brien; their children, Catherine Erin (Jason) Twizell, Michael Andrew (Tara) O’Brien, Amanda Marie (Harper) Wildern; and their grandchildren, Marilyn Lorraine Wildern, Catherine Elizabeth Wildern, Savannah Izabel O’Brien, Tyler James-Davis O’Brien, Lauren Catherine O’Brien, and Valerie Grace O’Brien. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bill’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00–8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Bill’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic School in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.