Gregory O'Brien

Gregory William O'Brien, 61, passed away unexpectedly on November 18th, 2022, in his Maplewood home due to a combination of illnesses. He was the third of seven children born to Gerald and Doris O'Brien on November 16th, 1961, at Selfridge Air Force Base in lower Michigan.

He attended Fridley Grace High School, graduating in the class of 1979 and St. John's University in Collegeville, MN where he earned a bachelor's degree in social sciences.

Greg was a gifted communicator, putting it to good use as a realtor and businessman in the St. Paul area for almost 40 years. Greg enjoyed having fun and had a vast knowledge of sports, including its history and statistics. He played in multiple sports leagues as a youth and played hockey while he attended St. John's University. He was an avid outdoorsman and carried on family traditions of hunting, fishing, and canoeing the Brule River whenever possible. With family friend and mentor "Uncle" Harry Arvanitis, Greg took up stamp and coin collecting, traveling to shows together throughout the country. He will be lovingly remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor that could start a room full of people roaring with laughter.

Greg was preceded in death by his mother Doris Seign in 1994 and father Gerald O'Brien in 2021.

He is survived by his siblings Matthew (Andrea), Barbara (Mike) Iannazzo, Joseph, Frances (Joe) Seiler, Patrice Jenson, and Mary; ten nieces and nephews, many cousins, and dear friends Jeff and Carolyn DeLisle.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the Church of St. Bernard, 187 Geranium Ave W, St Paul, with visitation an hour prior, and a reception to follow. Family interment to be held at St. Joseph Cemetery on Madeline Island at a later date.