Patrick Edward O'Brien

Patrick Edward O'Brien, age 73, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Pat was born on January 11, 1938 in Tulsa to Edward P. O'Brien and Mary C. (Fager) O'Brien. He graduated from Marquette High School in the Class of 1956 and from the University of Notre Dame in 1961. There he earned a B.A. in Communication Arts. Pat married Gloria Swartz on June 9, 1962. He flew as a seaplane pilot in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1966, serving active duty in the Philippines and Vietnam as a Lieutenant. He then made a career as a commercial airline pilot, flying for twenty-eight years for TWA. He retired as a First Officer having flown Boeing 707 and 727 aircraft. Pat enjoyed spending time with his family, often traveling, boating and relaxing at the lake. He was particularly talented at carpentry, home renovation, and landscaping. He was a lifelong Notre Dame supporter and football fan. Pat was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Tulsa, a devote Catholic, and an inspiring example of faith for his family. After he retired, Pat volunteered with Catholic Charities Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. Pat was preceded in death by his parents: Edward and Mary O'Brien; and brother Donald O'Brien. He is survived by his wife: Gloria of Tulsa; his sons: Michael Louis O'Brien and wife, Teresa of London, England; John Patrick O'Brien; William Burke O'Brien and wife, Kelly of Claremore; Bradley James O'Brien and wife, Susan of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; his daughters: Kathleen Claire O'Brien of Los Angles; Mary Elizabeth Westbrook and husband, Vince of Tulsa; his brother: Harold O'Brien and wife, Judith of Oklahoma City; his sisters: Louise O'Brien of New York City; Mildred Ann O'Brien of Savoy, Illinois; ten loving grandchildren, other family members and friends. A Rosary will be held 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 19. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 20. Both services will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, 4804 S. Fulton, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 6465 S. Yale Avenue, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74136-7805. Arrangements were entrusted to Daniel C. Schaudt of Schaudt's Glenpool Funeral Service & Cremation Care. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com