O'Brien, John Regis

John Regis O'Brien, 75, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2012, at ManorCare Health Services. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

Survivors include sons, John O'Brien of Minneapolis, Minn., Matthew O'Brien of Cedar Rapids, Tim O'Brien of Iowa City, and Joe O'Dwyer of California; ex-wife Terry O'Brien, of Iowa City; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son James O'Brien.

John Regis O'Brien was born Oct. 16, 1936, to John J. and Hannah P. (Regan) O'Brien in Jersey City, N.J. He attended Stevens Tech in New Jersey, receiving a four-year degree in mechanical engineering. John achieved the designation of a Professional Engineer and had many large projects around the world. He went back to school to the University of Iowa in his late 50s to be a teacher. John taught science and math in several districts in Wisconsin. In his spare time, he volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club and coached many soccer and baseball teams. John's hobbies included woodworking and later in life took up riding horses and hobby farming. He remained a proud New Yorker donning his Yankee's cap in Iowa. He continued to be a life long student.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be expressed at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette March 27, 2012.