Owen O'Brien, Jr.

Owen Joseph O'Brien, Jr., age 72, of New Jersey, died peacefully Monday, January 11, 2021, at LifeQuest Nursing Center, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Born April 9, 1948, in Jersey City, he was the son of the late Owen J., Sr., and Sabina (Tucholski) O'Brien. Owen grew up in Dumont, N.J. In his younger years, Owen was an accomplished accordionist who won numerous competitions. Cousins will remember impromptu performances given at family gatherings by "Owney" on accordion and Jerry on alto sax. Owen was a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School and of Rutgers University. He taught earth science at the high school level for a while, but he was more of a free spirit. He enjoyed bicycling. He worked at a variety of restaurants and catering services, which provided him the opportunity to take long vacations to travel around the country. Owen loved to hike and backpack solo in national and state parks. Having toured through all the "lower 48" states, he particularly loved to visit Montana. Even when he was at home, he loved taking lengthy walks. Owen also was a student and avid player of chess. He also loved playing Texas Hold'em poker at Atlantic City casinos as well as casinos in his travels across the country. Owen was a devoted son. As our parents grew older, he moved in with them in Whiting, N.J. He provided loving care to them until their passing. Regrettably, Owen developed early onset dementia, which progressed gradually but continuously over the course of more than 12 years. We are thankful to the staff of LifeQuest Nursing Center who provided excellent care to Owen in his final years. Owen was known throughout LifeQuest as a perpetual walker who walked the halls wearing a N.Y. Yankees cap. Owen is survived by his brother Gerald "Jerry" O'Brien (wife Barbara) of Quakertown, PA, nephew Christopher O'Brien (wife Katie) and grandnephews Liam and Reed O'Brien, as well as numerous cousins and countless second cousins. Services and interment will be private and at the discretion of the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Owen's name to Alzheimer's Association (www.alzfdn.org) at 399 Market St., Suite 250, Philadelphia, PA 19106, or to your local Alzheimer's Association chapter. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.NaugleFCS.com.