Robert 'Pat' O'Brien

Green Township - Robert Pat O'Brien passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by Mary, his devoted wife of 68 years, and his loving family on January 4, 2020 at the age of 88. He was the proud father of five children; Cathleen (Gregory) Horn, Michael (Jane) O'Brien, Patricia (Ron) Patterson, Theresa (Howard) Figueroa, Erin (Joe) Fields, nine grandchildren: Justin, Zachary, Alex Horn; Nicole, Jessica (Ellis), Kory Figueroa, Jamison Trefzger, Jacob, Kaitlyn Fields and five great grandchildren: Hudson and Maddox Ellis (Figueroa), Zion, Kirsten and Miles Horn.

Pat was born in Des Moines, Iowa on December 28, 1931 to Robert E. and Emily (Walsh) O'Brien. His younger siblings who survive him are Dennis (Julie) O'Brien of Goodyear, Arizona and Mary (O'Brien) Caskey of Johnston, Iowa. Pat received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Drake University where he played varsity football and was recognized as an MVP and All Decade Team recipient. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for two years and played football for the Ft. Sill, Oklahoma Cannoneers. Upon completion of his military service, he became a member of the Drake University football coaching staff that participated in the 1958 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. He later taught and coached at Xavier University and then became the head football coach at Mansfield Sr. in Ohio.

After four years at Mansfield, Pat was hired as assistant football and head swimming coach at the College of Wooster. In 1968 he founded the first Wooster Community Swim program and initiated Wooster's first AAU swim meet which today is still one of the largest running outdoor swim meets in Ohio. Pat was active as a volunteer in the American Red Cross, and spent his summers managing the Wooster City pools and later the Overhill Swim Club in Cincinnati for many years. In 1970 he was named head football coach at the College of Wooster and in 1974 was selected to coach the All Ohio College Shrine Bowl football game. He finished his career at Western Hills High School in Cincinnati where he taught and served in an administrative capacity. He became the winningest football coach in Western Hills history and in 2011 was inducted into the Western Hills Athletic Hall of Honor. Pat's 1978 football team played in the 50th and last 'Thanksgiving Day Classic', beating Elder for the first time in 20 years at Riverfront Stadium. Under Pat's leadership they won two PHSL Championships, one Metro County Conference Championship, finished runner ups two other years and beat Elder a second time at the 'PIT'.

Once Pat officially retired and 'slowed down' he became a member of the Ohio Buckeye Senior Olympics Volleyball Team winning national championships in 1997, 2003, 2007, and 2009. His teams were national silver medalists in 1999 and 2005. Pat played volleyball for the 80's team and also won a national Gold Medal in the 80+ age group.

Pat and his wife Mary were members of the Saint Antoninus parish for over 45 years, were 'Proud Westsiders' and hosted the clan O'Brien for backyard pool parties and every holiday get together. Grandpa Pat was the true patriarch of his adoring family and set an indelible example for all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that faith in God, love of family, and hard work will carry you very far in life.

Visitation will be held on Thurs. Jan. 9th 5:00pm until 7:00pm at the Radel Funeral Home, 650 Neeb Rd 45233 (513)451-8800. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday January 10th at 11:00am at St. Antoninus Church

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund (HeartlandHospiceFund.org)

Tributes & Condolences

Posted by Jim Mayer on January 09, 2020 (12:32)
Coach O'Brien was my line coach at The College of Wooster. He was an outstanding coach and always had praise for his players... even when we did something wrong. A great mentor, he taught me many of life's lessons that have helped me in my lifetime. Praise the Lord for his salvation. He will be missed, but has now joined God''s everlasting family Jim Mayer COW '68

Posted by Chuck Malta on January 09, 2020 (11:54)
Pat was a good man. Descriptive words that come to mind when I think of Pat: friendly, innovator,ultimate family man, religious, caring, always looking out for others before himself. role model for all of his children, leader. These descriptions just scratch the surface of Pat's influence on others around him.I had the privilege of working with Pat during the first Freedlander Swim meets in Wooster and observed his competence at all levels. As a matter of fact he influenced my choice to serve Parks and Recreation in Wooster as muy 37 year career choice Pat wasn't just a good man. He was a great man and sadly missed by all of us here in Wooster

Posted by Mike and Anne Henkle on January 08, 2020 (18:29)
Our deepest sympathies and prayers for the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Love, The Henkle's

Posted by Jeff Homan on January 07, 2020 (14:15)
I have very fond memories of playing for "Coach O'Brien" at West Hi in the mid-80s. In fact, I played on the last team to beat Elder in the Pit back in 1985. Coach O'Brien inspired me to be a teacher and coach football and baseball after graduating from Miami University. He was a great man and a mentor to many more men like me! My sincere condolences to the family he loved so dearly. --Jeff Homan (Western Hills H.S. - 1986).

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