Spring 2023 Issue

JIMMY O’BRIEN
LOCAL
VOICES
Jimmy O’Brien said he is a strong believer in being able to laugh at yourself and said he doesn’t take himself too
seriously. But, if you know the 76-year-old, you know he is extremely serious about two things: his family and his
church, St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Hopatcong, where he’s been an active member since 1975. O’Brien
has been married to his wife, Margaret, for 54 years. They have three children, 10 grandchildren and one greatgranddaughter.
Their grandchildren range in age from 13 to 27. O’Brien said he spends as much time with them as he
can. “They always have time for me,” he said.
WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM?
The Inwood section of New York City. It was a great place to grow up and there was
never a problem getting enough guys together for a game of stickball. When we
were teenagers, the police and firefighters would come during the summer on
Mondays to challenge us to a game of baseball. It was always fun.
HOW DO YOU EARN A LIVING?
I have worked for Van Cleef Engineering for about the past 10 years. It is a large
company with offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I am a state-certified
public works manager, and I find my work is always different and rewarding. It
is a family-owned business, and they make you feel like family.
WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST/MOST UNUSUAL JOB YOU’VE EVER HAD?
I was a supervisor for Con Edison and was assigned to do work at
the Russian Embassy. We were under constant watch by two “big
estates” who never took their hands out of their pockets. When
the job was finished, these two guys told my crew to leave but
told me to stay. They then gave me a bottle of Russian vodka. I
guess they liked me. I shared the vodka with my supervisors.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN LIFE AND
WHY?
I would say my wife, family and friends. I have some wonderful
people I have met over the years, and they are always there
to help when needed. A friend of mine, years ago, told me:
When you are down over something, ask yourself, how
important is it?
DESCRIBE THE TYPE OF PERSON YOU ARE.
I like to do things that most people would not even
think about. This is one of my strong points. I have been
blessed with the ability to get things done. I have been
knocked down many times, but I don’t give up. I get right
up and start over.
DO YOU VOLUNTEER?
I am the fundraising chairman for St Jude’s Catholic
Church. We will have five big fundraisers this year,
including two concerts, a comedy night, a sock hop and a
pig roast.
IS THERE ANYTHING MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE
SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I am a history buff. I got interested in the two world wars,
the Korean War and the Vietnam War. I like to follow
the battles my dad was in during World War II. He was
with the 20th Armored Division. He was at the Battle of
the Bulge, and he was with one of three divisions that
liberated Dachau. As a kid, I would hear stories from my
father and uncles. I had a lot of questions. I would love
to go back in time and witness what our country has
been through.
creative funny strong
I AM I AM I AM
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