Obituary of Joseph Robert O'Brien

O'BRIEN, Joseph - Passed away on Monday, June 26th, 2017 at the St. Catharines Hospital at the age of 87. Beloved husband of Veronica for 60 years. Cherished father of Kathleen (Tom) Barnes.  Loving Grandpa Joe to Ethan and Christian Barnes. Joe will be sadly missed by his extended family, Elizabeth and Gordon Barnes, of Sundridge, as well as all of his nieces, nephews and friends in Canada and the U.K. A sincere thank you to Sue and Wayne Gibson for all of their care and compassion towards Joe and Veronica. He will also be missed by Bill and Eileen Taraba and all of his friends at St. Mary's Church. Joe was the owner of St. Catharines Paving. He was on the Board of Directors for Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital and was a Board Member for Ontario Hydro. Joe was very active in the St. Catharines Historical Society and the West St. Catharines Business Association. He was a Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.  Joe was a huge supporter of the Liberal Party of Canada, the Ontario Liberal Party and was always interested in local politics. Joe was very active in the St. Catharines Rowing Club, having rowed for 10 years.  The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Wednesday, June 28th from 2-4p.m. & 7-9p.m. Vigil Prayers will take place on Wednesday at 3p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 169 St. Paul Crescent , St. Catharines on Thursday, June 29th at 11.am. Rite of Committal at Victoria Lawn Cemetery to follow. Memorial donations to Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital would be appreciated by the family.