O’Brien, Edward C.

U.S. Navy Veteran Retired As An Executive Director With United Way

  • Friday, May 6, 2022
Edward O'Brien
Edward O'Brien

Edward C. O’Brien, 87, of Chattanooga, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

Edward was born on Sept. 5, 1934, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, New York.  He was a graduate of Fordham Preparatory School and College of the Holy Cross, where he was the manager of the baseball team. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Dupont.

He was the executive director of the United Way of America in various locations.  After his retirement from the United Way, he was the owner of O’Brien’s Tax Service serving more than 400 clients annually.

He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church for over 45 years and was instrumental in the fundraising efforts to build the current church building. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 8576.

He was known as Irish Ed, Papa Ed, Mr. Dad and was a loyal friend to all who knew him.  He never missed an opportunity to have a drink and a laugh with anyone.

He was an avid sports fan and loved all sports but had a special affinity for baseball and was the king of baseball trivia.  He especially loved the Chattanooga Lookouts and tracking players as they moved up to the big leagues.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Gladys O’Brien and his brother, Gerald Francis “Frank” O’Brien.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Beth O’Brien, his four children Edward (Kathy) O’Brien, John O’Brien, Beth-Anne (Steve) Longazel, and Sue-Ellen (Howard) Franklin and his four grandchildren Margaret and Patrick O’Brien and Kayla and Christopher Longazel.  He is also survived by his brother Daniel Rea O’Brien.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church at 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga TN 37415 with Father Charles Burton, Pastor officiating.

Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 16, from 10:30-11 a.m. prior to the service at St. Jude Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Catholic Church or Notre Dame High School.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423 531-3975.

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