Paul E. O'Brien, 68, passed away suddenly on 2/19/2023.
A lifelong resident of Aurora and graduate of West Aurora High Class of 72', Paul was a truck driver by trade and a man of many talents. An avid car enthusiast, social butterfly, reader, and Jeopardy champion in his own mind, Paul retained all useless knowledge he ever came across, and gladly shared it with those who knew him.
Paul loved to travel by car with his family to national monuments, enjoying historical locations and reading his favorite book the entire time, the Rand McNally Road Atlas. Later in life, Grandpa loved cheering on the kids in sports, academic award ceremonies, teaching about cars, learning about dinosaurs, sharing snacks, and making faces.
Paul was a loyal friend to so many and will be deeply missed by those he touched with his genuine friendship and stories of life's journeys.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Margaret O'Brien.
He is survived by his wife, Gwynne, nee Hart; daughter Hallie O'Brien (Greg Lawton), son Dennis (Alley) O'Brien; grandchildren Rachel, Hudson, and Emerson; siblings Phil (Carolyn) O'Brien, Karen (Jeff) Beallis, Denise (Reynold) Weigelmann, Suzanne (Mark) Phillips and many nieces and nephews.
A luncheon will be held Friday, February 24th at the Phoenix Club, 515 Phoenix Ct, Aurora, IL from 12-3. Family and friends are invited to share a story and remember Paul in his favorite setting.