Posted June 14, 2022

Msgr. John F. O’Brien, pastor emeritus of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia, died Monday, June 13. He was 89.

Son of the late John F. O’Brien Sr. and Anna M. Haggerty, he was born in Norristown and attended St. Patrick Grade School and St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

He was ordained a priest May 13, 1961 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia by then-Archbishop John J. Krol — the first class of priests he ordained as archbishop of Philadelphia.

Msgr. O’Brien was named an honorary prelate of Pope John Paul II with the title of monsignor on March 14, 1998.

Msgr. O’Brien served as parochial vicar at St. Ignatius Parish, Yardley; St. Columba Parish, Philadelphia, St. Elizabeth Parish, Philadelphia; Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Philadelphia and St. William Parish, Philadelphia.

He served as pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Parish in Philadelphia, and in 1987 was appointed pastor of St. Raymond Parish in Philadelphia, for which he became pastor emeritus upon his retirement in 2008.

Funeral rites include the Reception of the Body at St. Raymond of Penafort Church on Saturday, June 18 at 9 a.m. followed by a viewing. Auxiliary Bishop Timothy C. Senior will celebrate the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Concelebrating priests include Msgr. Henry J. McKee, Msgr. Michael J. Flood and Fathers Donald P. McNamara, Joseph A. Heim, M.M., Christopher M. Walsh, Stephen D. Thorne and Father Joseph J. Meehan, who will be the homilist.

Msgr. O’Brien is survived by his sister, Anne, and a niece and nephew. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Norristown.