John Gartland O’Brien December 16, 1941 – January 18, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Upload Photo| View/Sign Guest Book| Send Sympathy Card John Gartland O’Brien died on January 18, 2019. He was born on December 16, 1941 in Pawtucket, R.I. to the late Dr. John and Josephine O’Brien. He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret (Peggy) MacDougal O’Brien and children Meghan O’Brien McRae (Jason) and J. Michael O’Brien.
He leaves behind a granddaughter Madeline Grace McRae who was the light of his life. He is survived by a brother Thomas O’Brien and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews who adored him. He was preceded in death by his sisters Gail O’Brien Holland and Maureen O’Brien Smith as well as his brother Kevin Daniel O’Brien.
John spent more than forty years in the investment business in Philadelphia, Chicago and Kansas City, most recently as Managing Director of Prairie Capital. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Wharton School of Business, John started his investment career at Goldman Sachs & Co. where he spent 18 years working with wealthy family groups and institutions. He went on to Credit Suisse First Boston for 10 years as a Managing Director/Senior Advisor and then to George K Baum & Company as Vice Chairman and Director of Equity Capital Markets.
John’s leadership extended beyond his work, he served as a Trustee of Conestoga Capital, Trustee of the Interactivity Foundation, a founding Trustee of the Center for Entrepreneurial Study and Development and a Trustee of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. John treasured his enduring friendships with so many he was close to whether they were childhood friends or more recent additions to his life. He loved to golf, travel with Peggy and dear friends and spend time with his cherished granddaughter.
He loved music and would sing loudly and spontaneously whenever the opportunity arose. A proud Notre Dame alum, he would cheer on the Irish no matter what the sport. From the time he was young, John loved the ocean and would spend time on sailboats whenever he could.
He was a man of faith and with that felt gratitude for all of life’s blessings. His positivity, spirit and love of life were inspiring. Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation to be held from 9:30 -11:00 am with a Funeral Mass to commence at 11 am on Friday January 25th at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Road, Gladwyne, PA.
Interment is private. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School 5218 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141. SERVICES Visitation Friday, January 25, 2019 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM St. John Vianney Church 350 Conshohocken State Rd.
Gladwyne, PA 19035 Get Directions on Google Maps Mass Friday, January 25, 2019 11:00 AM St. John Vianney Church 350 Conshohocken State Rd.
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