John P. O'Brien

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of John P. O'Brien (Poppy), 74, of Wynantskill, who was taken from us far too soon on August 28th.

Born on January 8th, 1951 in Troy, he was the son of the late Francis and Elizabeth (Grimmick) O'Brien.

John attended Our Lady of Victory school before attending high school at Tamarac High.  After graduating high school, John chose his lifelong career as a truck driver.  John started his career at King Fuels where he worked for over 20 years.  He then continued driving, up until his most recent job at RJ Valente Gravel.

John lived a life of hard work, dedication, and deep love for his family.  He spent many years as a proud truck driver, providing for those he loved.  He was also a lifelong member of the Emerald Athletic Club of Troy.  

Known by everyone as "Poppy", John had a love for socializing with friends & family.  He loved playing the lotto & scratch offs.  He loved nothing more than buying scratch offs for his wife & reaching into his pocket to share his money with his grandchildren every time he saw them.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he filled their lives with countless treasured memories.  He always made it a point to be the first to wish them a happy birthday.

John was a devoted husband to his wife of 54 years, Cheryl (Ross) O'Brien.   

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, John (Jessica) O'Brien, Jenny (Tim) Trombley, and Tammie O'Brien, six grandchildren, Brianna O'Brien, Joey, Samantha and Josh Trombley, Kali and Kasi Krikorian, two brothers, William (Shirley) O'Brien, Steven (Laurie) O'Brien, a sister, Lori (Tim) Allmann, sisters-in-law, Kathy, Joann and Sharon O'Brien, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Frank "Skip", Richard, and David O'Brien.    

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the first responders, medical personnel, and co-workers who came to his aid during his final moments.  Their courage, compassion, and dedication brought comfort and will always be remembered with deep appreciation.  With all our hearts, we thank our dear family and friends for wrapping us in love and support during this heartbreaking time. We wouldn't be able to get through this without you. The family would also like to extend our appreciation to Ashley and the staff at Hill Creek Tavern for treating us like family in our time of need.

Though he is no longer with us, John's memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, family, and friends.  His legacy of love and strength will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited and may call from 10:30am to 12:30pm with funeral mass to follow immediately on Saturday September 6, 2025 at the St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Rd, Troy.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John P. O'Brien, please visit our floral store.