John O'Brien Obituary

In Loving Memory

May 8, 1964 - August 20, 2025

John J. O'Brien, 61, of Camden, NY, passed away, unexpectedly, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his home.

He was born on May 8, 1964, at Fort Sill, OK, to William and Katherine Lortie O'Brien. John was a 1982 graduate of Immaculate Heart Central Schools. Upon graduation, he would attend Buffalo State, where he would play football. He would go on to work for the New York State Department of Corrections from 1987 - 2016, retiring as a Lieutenant.

John was a member of the Executive Board for many years at Council #82, where he also served as Vice President. He was also a member of the Executive Board of Local #2951 and served on the Negotiations Committee for many contracts.

John would then serve the Camden community as a Special Patrol Officer for the Camden Central Schools through the Oneida County Sheriff's Department, where he adored working with the students, teachers and staff every day. John worked Security for Paragon Systems as well.

John was a passionate sports fan. He played semi-professional football for the Watertown Red and Black. He was an avid golfer, playing many rounds at the golf courses at Turning Stone where he worked nearly every weekend over the summer since his retirement from New York State. His favorite course was the beautiful Kaluhyat.

On June 29, 1991, he married the love of his life, Colleen Bennett.

John is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Colleen; two sons, Patrick M. O'Brien and Sean W. O'Brien; father, William O'Brien; siblings, Mary O'Brien, Dennis O'Brien and Joe O'Brien; sister-in-law, Paige O'Brien; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; his faithful pup, Mario; sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Robert) Rowan and Nancy Kirchner; and many in his Corrections and Golf family.

He was predeceased by his mother, Katherine; and his brother, Terry O'Brien.

Per John's request, there will be no formal services at this time. A Celebration of his life will be at a time to be announced.

He was known to be larger than life and will be missed by many.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Terry O'Brien Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. Gifts may also be made online at nnycf.org.

Arrangements are in care of LaRobardiere Funeral Home, 109 Main St., Camden. Please share memories and condolences at larobardierefuneralhome.com.