Obituaries
1
tree
planted in memory of Martin O'Brien
Obituary for Martin O'Brien
Martin O’Brien, 61, of Peoria passed away Wednesday, September 8th 2021 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria. He was born the oldest of three children on June 28th, 1960 in Peoria to Ruth (Ryan) and Thomas O’Brien. They preceded him in death. One sister survives, Teri Simon.
Marty married Catherine Carrara on July 12th, 1986. She survives along with their three daughters, Kaitlin (Isaac) O’Brien Payleitner of Peoria, Casey (Jacob) O’Brien Fechter of Saint Louis, Keeghan O’Brien of Saint Louis and one son, Brogan (Dani) O’Brien of Saint Louis. He was a proud Papa of Emerson, Nolan, and Nixon Payleitner, Lucy O’Brien, and Timothy Joseph Fechter. For anyone who knew him, his family was his greatest accomplishment.
Marty was a graduate of AOL/SI and Bradley University, earning degrees in Business Administration and Horticulture. He retired after 37 years with the Peoria Park District as a golf course superintendent. Following a long retirement of 2 months, Marty proudly started his own company, Straightline Sports Turf Services. As an artist and a master of his craft, his work can be seen on the fields of Shea Stadium, Peoria Notre Dame, and Eureka College. Second to his family, his greatest joy was waking up every day doing something that he loved.
A natural storyteller, Marty could find common ground with anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path. His strongest attribute was being such a caring and kindhearted man, openly sharing his love with family and friends. Most years of his life you could find him playing on the baseball diamond, watching his kids on the soccer pitch, coaching on the basketball court, or walking 18 holes. Marty wore many hats, literally and figuratively, when it came to where he gave his time. He was a man of faith and service as evidenced by his involvement with St. Bernard’s, Holy Family, Peoria Notre Dame Athletics, and a recipient of the Billy Stone Service Award from Bradley University. Proud of the legacy that he and Cathy built, his children will continue to work every day to honor the last name he gave them. He will be missed beyond words, 143 forever.
He will be on the field one last time, Monday, September 13, 2021 at Shea Stadium (1523 W. Nebraska Avenue) from 3:00pm-7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 14th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Marty O’Brien Memorial Student Athlete Scholarship:
Bradley University Athletics, Attn: J Locklier, 1501 W Bradley Avenue, Peoria, IL 61606
(Questions to JLocklier@bradley.edu) Or Peoria Park District Employee Contribution- Scholarship Fund, 1125 W. Lake Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.
Friends and family may sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com
Previous Events
Visitation
Monday
13
Sep
3:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Shea Stadium
1526 W. Nebraska
Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral Mass
Tuesday
14
Sep
11:00 AM
Holy Family Catholic Church
3720 N Sterling Ave
Peoria, IL 61615
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Patrick's Cemetery-Camp Grove
NA
Camp Grove, IL 61491
Memorial Contribution
The Marty O’Brien Memorial Student Athlete Scholarship: Attn: J Locklier
1501 W. Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL 61606
Peoria, IL 61606
Peoria Park District Employee Contribution- Scholarship Fund
1125 W. Lake Avenue
Peoria, IL 61614
Peoria, IL 61614
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