William James O’Brien, Jr. passed away on April 23, 2018 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was 56 and living in Virginia at the time of his death.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, William J. O’Brien, Esq., founding partner of the Conrad O’Brien law firm in Philadelphia, and Lillian (Cunning) O’Brien of Chestnut Hill. He is survived by his only child Bernice L. O’Brien and her husband Daniel Radthorne of Bainbridge Island, Washington; his former spouse Jane Horton, M.D., of Lexington, Virginia; his sister Nancy O’Brien Weidner, her husband John, and niece Grace Weidner, of Annandale, New Jersey.
He will also be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Bill was born and raised in Philadelphia, a beloved member of a large extended family. After graduating from Chestnut Hill Academy, class of 1981, he departed for Washington and Lee University in Virginia where he graduated with a degree in Anthropology.
His academic studies fueled his love of literature, science, history and politics. After graduation, he pursued his dream of travel which included trips to Africa, Asia and Europe.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He loved golf and, like his father, had encyclopedic knowledge of the feats of the golf greats.
Private services will be held on a future date. In memory of Bill, contributions to the following are appreciated: Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden, 963 Ross Road, Lexington, VA 24450, 540.463.2697, www.boxerwood.org.
