Lifelong Hollister resident, John Howard O’Brien, passed away from complications of lung disease at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital early Wednesday morning, September 3, 2008. He was seventy-eight years old. He leaves his wife of fifty-six years, Carol Sullivan O’Brien, their four children, Terry Lewis of King City, Shawn O’Brien of Chico, Bart O’Brien of Upland, and Darcy Siegel of La Jolla, and his brother, Charles O’Brien of Hollister. He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Joan O’Brien, two sons-in-law, Randy Lewis and Paul Siegel, and seven grandchildren, Hallie Lewis Hunt, Caitlin Lewis Soto, Siobhan O’Brien, Katherine O’Brien, Liam O’Brien, Oren Siegel, and Micah Siegel. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law Virginia Bradt, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Marty Sullivan, and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was the son of San Benito County residents William Howard O’Brien and Phyllis Shaw O’Brien. He attended local schools before graduating from Santa Clara University in 1952. After a two year stint in the army, he earned his law degree from the same institution. Upon passing the bar, John began his legal career working for the state Attorney General’s office in Sacramento. In 1958 John and Carol returned to Hollister where John successfully ran for District Attorney of San Benito County. He held this position for eight years. During this time he started a private legal practice with Frank Borelli, who served as Deputy District Attorney. They were law partners for forty-eight years. In addition, John worked as City Attorney for Hollister for more than twenty-four years. During his time as City Attorney he was often referred to as “the council’s sixth member”.
John was devoted to his wife and children and took special delight in his grandchildren. He especially loved introducing his grandchildren to his two passions: skiing and football. Always proud of his Irish heritage, John was famous for his St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around town. Although known for his wit and humor, John also had a serious side and was an avid reader with a keen interest in military history.
A memorial mass will be held in John’s honor on Monday, September 8, at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church in Hollister. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations to Community Pantry or the charity of your choice, care of Grunnagle, Ament, Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory, 870 San Benito Street, Hollister, California, 95023.
