Mr. William P. O’Brien III

I Miss you so much. I miss the jokes about when you were a kid and your laughing and I wish you would come back so much. People talk about your death randomly during school and it makes me want to cry. Sometimes I do. I miss you a lot and i wish you would come back. Love, Zoe.

Mr. O'Brian was an amazing teacher. I learnred so much from him. I think about him every day. I miss him. :(

I hear your laughter still.

The entire family is in my prayers. I hadn't seem him in years but have always had fond memories of him and Barry when we were growing up.

I love you and miss you Billy.

To the O'Brien Family and friends, My heart and soul sympathizes with you. I can see that William was a very special man, teacher, loved by so many! I can see he "lived" a caring and unselfish life, caring so much for others and having such a wonderful sense of humor! God blesses us with each person! Each "one" is special in their own way, the way God made them to be! I can see that William used his gifts

To the O'Brien Family and friends, My heart and soul sympathizes with you. I can see that William was a very special man, teacher, loved by so many! I can see he "lived" a caring and unselfish life, caring so much for others and having such a wonderful sense of humor! God blesses us with each person! Each "one" is special in their own way, the way God made them to be! I can see that William used his gifts from God well, to the benefit and happiness of others. I cry with you and I will pray for you, because I know this is probably the most hardest time in your life. You have many there for you, loving and caring and praying! He lived life to the full here, I can see, now He is living it even greater, Only in the Prescense of His Loving Maker! You will feel his prescense with you and his helping hand as it always was there for everyone, now only in a Greater way,than we can know! My heart goes to you and the sympathy of my family! Much Love, Carolyn L. Geisler-David

I met Bill in 1984, and was friends with him until after his time in the military. Once he decided to go to college and get married we lost track of each other, but he is someone that I always rembebered fondly. A great guy, with a great sense of humor, and a great smile. Truly a good dude who when I think about will always bring a smile to my face.

Bill and I worked together for three years at Roslyn School. Bill taught third, fifth and sixth grade and I was the principal during this time. Since we worked together I got to know Bill and his teaching style well. Not only did Bill have a great sense of humor but he had the greatest laugh. You could not help but also crack up since Bill's laugh was infectious. The students enjoyed learning in his classroom. As a teacher, Bill

Bill and I worked together for three years at Roslyn School. Bill taught third, fifth and sixth grade and I was the principal during this time. Since we worked together I got to know Bill and his teaching style well. Not only did Bill have a great sense of humor but he had the greatest laugh. You could not help but also crack up since Bill's laugh was infectious. The students enjoyed learning in his classroom. As a teacher, Bill was always instructing. He'd be in front of the room with his index cards in his hand and would call on individual students to make sure they'd participate, whether they wanted to or not.

I have two memories that will let others know about what type of teacher he was. The first memory is of how Bill ran his classroom. Mr. O'Brien's classroom had a class government model where the students made decisions regarding the actions of their fellow classmates. Students who were distracting to the class were made to move away from the group and had to be voted back with the rest of the class after the behavior improved. While I was initially not sure what to think about the model, I quickly grew to respect it. This showed the students that their actions not only had individual consequences also impacted the group. The students learned the importance of democracy in action and took responsibility for their learning. Bill was always guiding the students in making sure the decisions enacted were done with respect and fairness. I know the students enjoyed the classroom environment and Mr. O'Brien. When I asked BIll to loop (go from 5th grade to 6th grade) with the same group of children, I asked the parents of his fifth grade students if any of them did not want their child to be in sixth grade with Bill. Every parent agreed to have Bill for two years in a row. That says something.

The second professional memory of Bill is how well he taught his students skills not in the curriculum. At the beginning of the 2009-10 school year two life skills classes were transferred to Roslyn School. The intermediate class was in the same pod as Bill's classroom. On Friday afternoons, many of Mr. O'Brien's students would leave the room for instrumental music. With those left in the room, Bill did not have the rest of his class work on computers or play math games; he used that time for his class to learn compassion, kindness, empathy, patience, understanding. His students would go into the life skills classroom and work with the children with very significant learning needs. I saw a side to some of his students that I never would have believed prior to this happening. Some of Mr. O'Brien's tough sixth grade characters would transform into some of sweetest, most gentle and caring kids you'd see. It was impressive and I was quite pleased with Bill's thoughtfulness and willingness to teach his students skills they will keep with them forever. It was truly remarkable and should make anyone who knew Bill smile with pride.

Finally, Bill was a loving husband and father. When we talked about his kids and family, he would beam. We'd talk about surfing and fishing but my most vivid conversations seemed to deal with his time in Sea Isle with the family. He was always so proud. A few times the O'Brien kids would pile out of the family minivan to "help" dad in his classroom. Bill always beamed when the kids were around.

It was a loss for Roslyn when BIll told me he wanted to transfer. He said he never wanted to stay too long in one place because he did not want to be a teacher who was always doing the same thing and get stale. He was always up for a new challenge. He was an excellent teacher and a good family man. We will miss him.

Mr. O'Brien was the best teacher ever and he made me love school. He had a great sense of humor and always made me laugh. I will miss him so much.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

To the O'Brien Family - May God bless and keep you during this most difficult time and it the years to come.

That smile!! That good natured hello....From when he first met Therese, "Aunt Roe, I met the coolest girl..." who Bill went on to marry and have 5 beautiful children with. Our hearts are devastated that you are no longer here with us.
We will love and embrace your wife and children for you. May God have His all embracing arms around you and them. Love, Aunt Roe

It's still hard to imagine that you are no longer with us. You taught Alyssa in 2nd grade and then again in 6th grade at Roslyn School. She has always listed you as one of her "favs" in the teacher catagory. You not only helped her in math and sports (two of her least favorite school subjects/activities) but most importantly, you gave her the confidence to believe in herself. We will always remember your smile and sense of humor. I

It's still hard to imagine that you are no longer with us. You taught Alyssa in 2nd grade and then again in 6th grade at Roslyn School. She has always listed you as one of her "favs" in the teacher catagory. You not only helped her in math and sports (two of her least favorite school subjects/activities) but most importantly, you gave her the confidence to believe in herself. We will always remember your smile and sense of humor. I still remember the day you walked your students out of the building at 3:20 p.m. reading a poetry book out loud behind them. I've never seen students run out through those doors so fast! We thought the saddest day was when you announced you were transferring to Overlook but the saddest day was March 8th, 2011. You will forever be remembered Mr. O.

Our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. O. May God give you strength and guidance to help you through this difficult time.

Sincerely,

The Herman Family (Rob, Deanna, Alyssa, Ryan and Andrew)

We were lucky enough to have Mr. O'Brien as a teacher for my older daughter in third grade at Roslyn four years ago. We have often turned to him as an advisor and a friend. When we moved to McKinley last year, he told my younger daughter what a great school she was going to, ecspecially since his children attended it.

Abington has lost a piece of its heart.

Our deepest sympathies to the O'Brien family.

Margaret Rath

I was more than sad to hear the news about mr o'brien I looked forward to seeing him daily as he crossed the playground to eat lunch in his car .He always made me laugh and always had time to listen to me . I missed seeing him this year and always asked about him .I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Lynne Lowenstein (Roslyn Playground aide)

We have so very many wonderful memories. Cathy and Bill we have shared so many great times together with you and your family. We raised our families so closely and with so much fun! Up and down the avenue. You and I sitting in your kitchen while the kids raised havoc in the basement.

We especially remember our great little reunion up in Montrose. Such a sweet time we had. We will never forget.

When billy became a parachute jumper in

We have so very many wonderful memories. Cathy and Bill we have shared so many great times together with you and your family. We raised our families so closely and with so much fun! Up and down the avenue. You and I sitting in your kitchen while the kids raised havoc in the basement.

We especially remember our great little reunion up in Montrose. Such a sweet time we had. We will never forget.

When billy became a parachute jumper in the Army we were amazed! What a guy!

We were all so proud when billy became a great teacher. We are sure that his students will miss him so much.

We send our love and prayers to Therese and the children and Therese's family also.

Our prayers and our love to all of you dearest friends.

Bill will be remembered so fondly by everyone he came in contact with. His presence and smile always lit up the room and that laugh-wow-truly infectious! I had the honor of seeing him "in action" the last couple of years at Roslyn Elementary and what I will remember most was how deeply and naturally he was able to engage and touch his students. Even those who were not in his class truly loved him and he always had time for

Bill will be remembered so fondly by everyone he came in contact with. His presence and smile always lit up the room and that laugh-wow-truly infectious! I had the honor of seeing him "in action" the last couple of years at Roslyn Elementary and what I will remember most was how deeply and naturally he was able to engage and touch his students. Even those who were not in his class truly loved him and he always had time for a kind comment or joke for absolutely anyone around. He could never hide his love for what he did, or for his kids. What Bill had cannot be taught but it was a gift to everyone around him. Hold onto those amazing memories and each other and my thoughts and prayers will be with you all at this most difficult time!

Our hearts and prayers go out to the O'Brien family. Mr. O will be truely missed, he was a great teacher for my oldest daughter, she enjoyed having him. He had given her an award that year, "For Most Improved", and gave her a book in front of the whole school, that is when she really started to like reading. Years after having him, he would still say Hi to her and myself, asking about the how she was doing in school. So sad to hear he has passed.

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with your family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Bill was a man with an infectious, booming laugh and a smile that lit his whole face. It is his smile that I will remember most.
BIll was loved and will be remembered warmly by so many people whose lives he's touched. I hope you find some comfort in knowing how many of us share in your loss.
He will be greatly missed.

Hi, I knew a Bill O'Brien who worked at Reedman Auto center in the late 1980's--I am pretty sure this is him. If I recall, he was from Philadelphia, his father was a police officer and Bill served in the military--- Well Bill to me was the "cool older guy", We had many great conversations and I remember he did a spot on Jack Nicholson impression! He was as genuine as they come--obviously I never forgot him.
Steve McMahon, Fairless Hills Pa.
sjmcmahon24@gmail.com

I am fortunate enough to be able to say I worked not only with Bill but also that I teach two of his children as well. He was so extremely proud of their accomplishments in their musical endeavors and was always so positive in his comments to me about the music program at school. He will be so very much missed and I know his compassionate and loving legacy will live on in the talents of his children. We were blessed to have him on our staff.

Dear Aunt Cathy, Uncle Bill, Therese, Barry, Kelly, Billy, Olivia, Morgan, Joseph, Kevin and Katie,
Billy, as he will always be to me and my sister, Stephanie, occupies the space in my heart of some of the fondest, most happy, and definitely most vivid of childhood memories. We lived only a few blocks apart for many years, and I knew it was going to be a great night when my dad said we were going to walk to O'Brien's that night.

Dear Aunt Cathy, Uncle Bill, Therese, Barry, Kelly, Billy, Olivia, Morgan, Joseph, Kevin and Katie,
Billy, as he will always be to me and my sister, Stephanie, occupies the space in my heart of some of the fondest, most happy, and definitely most vivid of childhood memories. We lived only a few blocks apart for many years, and I knew it was going to be a great night when my dad said we were going to walk to O'Brien's that night. We also spent many a summer afternoon at Somerton Swim Club with our mom's. How we fit 7 people into that tiny Beetle is beyond me(no seat-belts then). Barry will definitely remember Kiddiecare and the snack stand. We played in that pool and on that playground for hours. Goodness knows what our mother's were doing. We didn't care. It was way better than a baby pool on the front step. Billybarryandkelly(one word to Stephanie and I) were definitely our favorite cousins, even if they weren't really our cousins. The only Super Bowl I recall watching ever was with them at their new house on Lockwood. I also vividly remember watching Enter the Dragon, Bruce Lee's finest, with them. And of course the most memorable of all memories, the peanut butter and Barry sandwich. Ask Uncle Barry about it. It was funny, if you weren't Barry.
I don't know if Bill knew this, but I have to say kids, that your dad was hands down one of the most handsome men I ever met. I was so happy he met a woman he loved as much as your dad loved Therese. And I was completely blown over when he grew up to be a teacher. I wish I had a teacher like him was I was young. My families thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love, Ginny

Our deepest sympathy go out to Mr. O'Brien's children and family..Our hope is that you find comfort in the great memories people share.

My daughter had Mr. O a few years back at Roslyn. We will always remember his caring and love for teaching. He would always stop to chat and ask how your day was going. Mr. O showed real interest in his students and made time for their parents.

His smile and infectious laugh will be greatly missed. Our community and school are better for him being a part of it.

My memory of Bill will always be his laugh. He had a wicked sense of humor and I will miss his laughter.

Our deepest sympathy to the O'Brien family. We pray they find some comfort in the memories being shared.
Our two sons had the privilege of having Mr. O'Brien as a teacher for their last two years at Roslyn. He was always available and happy to talk to both kids and parents. He sincerely had their best interests at heart. Mr. O. will truly be missed, such a loss for the entire community. He had a wonderful laugh and I know our family will never forget him.
The Close Family

You are forever in our thoughts and prayers! your family is one of the nicest and caring family we have the privilege of knowing!
Deepest sympathy goes out to you in your time of need!

My thoughts and prayers are with the children and family of Mr. O'Brien. You were a ray of sunshine at Roslyn School. My children were not fortunate to have him as a teacher but thy still knew him as a person. It didn't matter if you were in his class or not, he made the time for all students. He was so respectful and appreciative of my work and contributions while I was a PTO pesident. If you were having a bad day Mr.O'briens smile and happy attitude surely made things better. He will truly be missed.

My sympaths to Mr. O'Briens family. I do remember how much you meant to him. He was my daughters teacher in Copper Beech 5 years ago. He was a teacher that made a difference. My memories of him are always so good he was an encouraging teacher and he got respect from the kids. He was a natural and he shall be missed.

Mrs. O'Brien:

Our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to you, your children and the family. We keep you all close in prayer not just today but everyday as you heal and cherish the precious memories of such a true gentleman and scholar. He was a large part of Nina's life, his SPECTACULAR 5th grade class and Overlook Elementary in such a short period of time. His warm persona, beaming bright smile, infectious laughter and numerous teachable moments shared with his students will be dearly missed, yet forever remembered. Grace, peace and blessings to The O'Brien Family.

With love,

The Pinto Family

This was a man who loved his family and took time to make an impression on our kids that will last them a life time. He never taught my daughter but always made a point of talking to her and asking how things were for her and took interest in her school activities. She enjoyed seeing him and the fact he took the time to talk to her each day. I can say for my son he got him to

This was a man who loved his family and took time to make an impression on our kids that will last them a life time. He never taught my daughter but always made a point of talking to her and asking how things were for her and took interest in her school activities. She enjoyed seeing him and the fact he took the time to talk to her each day. I can say for my son he got him to read which no one else could. I remember at christmas, the year after he taught him, that I had to go find the movie " Old yeller" so that he could give it to Mr O for christmas. These are the things that seem small to some but are big to others.
He is/was a great person who loved what he did and will be sadly missed. When you ask the kids at Roslyn about the dunk tank and what MR. O wore to go into the dunk tank they all will answer a collared shirt and tie. You will be missed by kids and parents greatly. We pray for his family that they can get through this very very tough time. Thank you for doing what you did for my son and making a great impression on him that will last a life time. You truely loved what you did.

To the O'Brien Family our thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family. He will be sorely missed but FONDLY remebbered. He was an awesome teacher. Not to mention an awesome person. We will keep all of you in our prayers. God Bless....... Mrs.Wiggins aka Mrs. W (McKinley)

I worked with Bill at Roslyn Elementary School for several years. He was such a warm and compassionate teacher, who gave all to his students and was such a pleasure to work with. Bill gave me a pizza receipe and a pizza cutter that is used frequently and each time I think of Bill. I am so very sadden by this sudden lost of such a good soul.

I just needed to post what a true teacher Bill was to my son. He relayed to T the joy that reading could be. Three years later Mr "O" remain T's favorite teacher. You will be missed my friend. I thank you for the time you spent with us in both the classroom and at the campground. I hope to find the Dunk Tank pictures from Samantha's 6th grade class. They are classic Mr. O. I will keep you in my thoughts. Rest in Peace my friend.

MAPenecale

Our deepest sympathies to the O'Brien family. We had the honor an pleasure of know Mr. O for many years. My son had the opportunity to have him as a teacher for 3 years at Roslyn School. He was an amazing teacher and the Abington School distict has lost an awesome teacher...we will forever remember his great sense of humor and contagious laugh.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Brandenburger Family