John James O'Brien

I am so glad that me and my sisters were able to take Dad to Ireland. Talk about fun! He was so happy to show us off and show us around. We have so much family there! It was an incredible experience and in many ways, it feels like yesterday.

I remember there was a night that I had to share a hotel room with him while my sisters shared a room. He felt "funny" sharing a room with any of us so it could have been awkward. But It was not. However, he was a snorer. And I had a hard time falling asleep but I recall a very real feeling of peace and happiness just to be with him. He was "behaved" in Ireland.

Dad was fun to be around, and especially in his later years, he was more easy going and relaxed...

Remember, he'd make his schedule around family. His weekends were for his grandchildren and his weeks were all about him.

I wish he and Mom were here with me now as I enjoy my new role with Baby Ellie. I know they'd love her deeply and be so very proud of Cal. And me.

~ Molly Lauryssens

I have many memories with my grandpa, from trips we took together to the small everyday things he would do that I will never forget.

There was one time that we went to the mall down in Florida to get his sneakers fixed. As we drove there, I told him that he should get new sneakers instead of getting the same ones fixed over and over. He insisted they were still good as new, it would be a waste of money to get new ones. We walked the mall waiting for his shoes to get done, and he walked up to a random group of teenagers that were eating ice cream, and said, “Why aren't you using a napkin, you’re going to get it everywhere”. That was Papa for ya! Spoke his mind to whoever, whenever.

There’s so many small things I will never forget: “Gloria & Louie”, Jazz Music & his “dancing” hand in the car, his crazy driving that would get us carsick, “$100 cash”, his cigars, “white hairs”, his post-it’s, or when he would come into town and come in the house, hand us his keys and let us know his trunk was full and wouldn't unload itself. Or how he made up his own pronunciation of words, but you didn't correct him…

Papa, I promise to make you proud. I promise to never forget your laugh, your smile, or your storytelling. I promise to keep your spirit alive by never being afraid to voice my opinion. Kiss Grandma for me, see you again!

~ Jackie O'Brien