John L. O'Brien Obituary (1925 - 2018)

John O'Brien, a lifelong resident of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 92 years old. He was the son of the late Lena (Esposito) Webb and John F. O'Brien. His maternal grandparents Anna (Mancuso) Esposito and Lorenzo DelPriora had an Italian delicatessen on Chapel Avenue in Cherry Hill that later became Lena's Cafe, the first liquor license issued in Cherry Hill to his mother, Lena. John graduated Merchantville High School and UCLA. He joined the Navy where he was assigned to the USS Bon Homme Richard, an aircraft carrier. He sailed through the Panama Canal and joined the forces in the Pacific Ocean. After the war ended, he went to Tokyo to work for the Admiral where he helped the Japanese disarm their Navy. In 1950, he returned to the US and started working for KSM Products in Moorestown as a clerk. He retired in 1970 as the Corporate Secretary and Director of Human Recourses. He then co-founded J& J temporaries, in Cherry Hill, an employment agency still operating today. After he retired, again, he volunteered, pursued photography and was an avid stained glass artist and teacher. He was a very active member of the Christ our Light Church serving as an Eucharistic Minister, Sponsor and Team Member in the RCIA Ministry. He traveled the world visiting every continent except Australia; John lived his life in service of others. He took care of his family, and after his sisters passing, he was the primary care giver for his nephew Ron. He so loved his 40 years at Ocean Colony Condominiums. He will be missed at Gillian's Flag Raising Ceremony, which he proudly attended each summer morning. In his 92 years, he touched the lives of many with his positive outlook, determination, generosity, faith and un-wavering loyalty to those he loved. He always enjoyed a great party, the company of fun people, driving his Jaguar, a walk on the boardwalk and The Dollar Store. His beloved sister, Jean Moran, precedes him in death. He leaves behind his nephew, Ronald Matese of Cherry Hill, and niece Barbara Cavaliere (Joseph) of Libertyville, IL and their sons, the joys of his life, Joseph, John David and Jacob. His dear cousin Roseanna Smith (James) of Fountain Valley, CA and many treasured nieces, nephews and Godchildren. John loved his family, friends, Cherry Hill, Ocean City, and his Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 10:30 am at Christ our Light 402 Kings Hwy N, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Relatives and friends may greet his family from 9:30 - 10:15 am at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ our Light Parish or Compassionate Care Hospice, 261 Burlington Drive, Burlington NJ 08016.