SOUTHERN SHORES — William O’Brien was born June 25, 1934, in Roanoke, VA, and passed away on July 5, 2024, at his home in Southern Shores, NC, at the age of 90. He worked and visited 87 countries, was married for 63 years, and had ten holes-in-one. It was a very good life!
He served in the United States Marine Corps in Korea from 1952-1956. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Journalism. It was there he met his wife of 63 years, Mariellen Baranowski.
Upon graduation in 1963, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency and embarked on a career living and working in Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Denmark and the United States. He retired in 1992 and worked as a government contractor for the next 19 years, traveling around the globe.
He moved permanently to Southern Shores, NC in 1997 and spent most of his days on the golf course when not traveling. He was a member of Duck Woods Country Club for fifty years. He played golf in over 50 countries.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Junkin O’Brien and Van R. O’Brien; sisters Charlotte, Betty, Jean, Patricia, Judy, June, Mary Jane, Betty Lou and brother Ralph and all their spouses; his sister-in-law Kathleen Hayes.
Bill is survived by his wife, Mariellen of Southern Shores, NC, his son Christopher, Karen and his daughters, Alexis Marion and Meghan Mary; Tipton and wife, Karen and children, Callie and James, Mia Brown, husband Tim (Patrick); Lisa Chmael, husband George (Zach, Kyra); Joyce Rau, husband Steve (KJ, Mollie); Susan Ambuhl, husband Eric (Skylar, Mason, Griffen).
He is also survived by a small village of additional nieces and nephews and their spouses and kids, to include: Kitty, Kevin, Leslie, Buddy, Cathy, Betsy, David, Jim, Joe, Martha Nowlin, Pat, Marty, Mary Lou, Claudia, Rick, Tom, Anne, Martha Bader, Susan, Ann, Randy and their spouses and children.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer By-the-Sea Catholic Church at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 26, 2024, (301 West Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk, NC) followed immediately by a reception at Cozy Kitchen Showroom, 921 West Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk, NC. Burial will be private at a later time.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
