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Edward Joseph O’Brien, 49, died suddenly on December 3, 2020.

 

Born April 26, 1971 in Joliet, Illinois to John and Rosie O’Brien, Ed was the youngest of six siblings: John (Reveneal) O’Brien, Bridget O’Brien, Margaret Glasch (Keith), Catherine O’Brien and Monica O’Brien.

 

Ed attended St. Ray’s Elementary School and then Joliet Catholic High School, where he played basketball and football. After graduating from high school, he attended University of Missouri and then DePaul University. He worked in construction, property management and real estate throughout his career and loved to build things and help people. He was a talented woodworker, a beloved contractor and had the gift of gab. People knew they could call him for any job – nothing was too big or too small. As everyone always says, “Thank God for Ed.”

 

Ed met his wife, Dr. Therese Plunkett, in 2003 at Joe’s on Weed Street, and they married in 2005 at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He was her rock, and he was so proud of her many accomplishments. Their shared pride and joy are their two daughters Gabby (14) and Madeline (11). Ed loved being a part of the girls’ athletic teams, Irish dance and school events. Friends will always remember Ed as a deeply devoted Dad and fondly recall him in his pick-up truck with the car seats at the girls’ schools, first Cardinal Bernardin and later Immaculate Conception St. Joseph. A friend to everyone he met, Ed loved to play golf and poker and to commiserate about his beloved Bears.  He was a loyal, good and decent man and will be missed dearly by those who knew him. 

 

A limited-attendance funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 1.30 pm. The visitation will be on Wednesday, December 9 from 4 – 8 pm where the entrance to the church will be regulated and social distancing practices will be in place. Click here for visitation instructions. Both the funeral and visitation will take place at St. Joseph Church at 1107 North Orleans Street in Chicago.

 

In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me has been set up for his daughter’s education. They made Ed so proud.