William John O'Brien Tribute
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William John "Digger" O'Brien, Jr.  - Rest In Peace

This page is to contain a tribute to my Cousin, John "Digger" O'Brien (on the Left), who died February 2003.  I will be updating it as I get more information.  My sincerest and deepest sympathies to all the O'Brien's but especially Cyndi, Amanda, and Andrew

The Legend of "Digger"

Many people naturally want to know how John got the nickname Digger.  This is the story as related to me.  Apparently, while in High School (I think), John worked for a local cemetery (Chris O'Brien later worked there).  You would be forgiven for assuming that John got the nickname Digger because he dug graves.  Chris, a reliable source (*cough*), insists that he never saw John dig any graves while he was working there; John just pushed around a lawn mower.  Chris thinks John should have been called "Pusher".

 

News

John's ashes were interned, 3/3/3, in a military ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary.  Hopefully, I will have pictures soon.

 

From the Washington Post

Monday, February 10, 2003; Page B06

William J. "Digger" O'Brien Jr., 49, an executive with Lockheed Martin Corp. in charge of special projects, died Feb. 7 at Inova Fairfax Hospital after a heart attack. He lived in Fairfax Station.

Mr. O'Brien was a Lockheed vice president and worked in the missile and space division at its Flint Hill facility in Fairfax. He worked for the defense contractor and technology company for 23 years, mostly at its operations in Sunnyvale, Calif., before transferring to the Washington area five years ago.

He was born in New Bern, N.C., and raised in Hartsdale, N.Y. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and received a master's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He served in the Air Force from 1975 to 1979.

He was a Boy Scout volunteer in Fairfax Station.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Cyndi O'Brien, and their two children, Andrew and Amanda O'Brien, all of Fairfax Station; a stepdaughter, Michelle Maggitti of Santa Clara, Calif.; his parents, William and Katherine O'Brien of New Fairfield, Conn.; three sisters; and two brothers.

 

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Last modified: October 19, 2009