Patrick Michael O'Brien

Patrick M. O’Brien, 68, of Bourbonnais, Illinois, died Thursday May 7, 2015. Pat was born February 28, 1947 in Davenport, Iowa, to Raymond and Wilma Slattery O’Brien. He is survived by his beloved wife Madelyn Smith O’Brien, whom he married on August 22, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno and adored every day of their life together. He is also survived by his sons Dennis and Michael and daughter-in-law Nikki and grandchildren Patrick, Eamon and Emma. Pat constantly supported his sons and their personal and professional interests and was loved and appreciated. He was especially devoted to his grandchildren and loved spending time with them looking for adventure, watching their school performances, athletic events and dance recitals. Also surviving Mr. O’Brien are his siblings Mary Denise (Denny) O’Brien and her husband Frank Seidman of North Palm Beach, Florida, Jerry O’Brien and his wife Janet of Jupiter, Florida, Rita Young and her husband Richard of Sun City West, Arizona and Brigid O’Brien of St. Louis, Missouri and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Francis and Jean Smith of Manteno and Jim and Christine Kranz Smith of Washington DC. Pat also had a devoted group of nieces and nephews, including Andrew (Lynne) Bryant, Diane (Sam) Carter, Grace O’Brien, Mimi Young, Hogan Young, Lisa Meers, Angel Gagnon, Joel Gagnon, Maggie Taylor, Bill (Laura) Smith, Pam Smith, Mike (Amy) Smith, Kelly (Andrew) Haley, Danny Smith and Molly (Matt) Molloy. Preceding him in death are his parents, father-in-law Francis W. Smith and mother-in-law Rita Keigher Smith, sister Kathy Gagnon, brother-in-law Dennis Smith and sister-in-law Jill Smith. Mr. O’Brien graduated from Assumption High School and St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. He began his professional career as a municipal administrator for communities in Michigan and Iowa. Mr. O’Brien joined HomeStar (formerly Manteno State Bank and Bradley Bank) in 1978 and has served the bank since. Mr. O’Brien served as Chief Executive Officer of HomeStar Bank & Financial Services. He was devoted to his HomeStar family, working tirelessly to ensure everyone was on the right seat on the bus and was valued and appreciated. Under Mr. O’Brien’s leadership, HomeStar has grown, expanded its service lines and created an education foundation to provide scholarships to local students. Mr. O’Brien was also devoted to the important role of community banks in building strong communities; he was recognized in the community banking industry for his vision, leadership and support. Mr. O’Brien also proudly led the HomeStar Harmonizers singing group. The Harmonizers spread holiday cheer to HomeStar customers by visiting their business and performing Christmas carols. Pat served his community, as well, supporting many local schools and charitable and civic groups. He was especially devoted to Bishop McNamara High School as chair of the school’s annual auction three consecutive years, the Bourbonnais Public Library District, the Bradley Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce, the Manteno Chamber of Commerce, the Kankakee County Democratic Central Committee and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Pat was also known for launching numerous duck races on the Kankakee River between 2002 and 2012 and enjoying his Thursday night poker league. Visitation for Mr. O’Brien will be Tuesday May 12, 2015 from 4pm to 8pm at Clancy Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. A funeral Mass will be said on Wednesday May 13 at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Manteno. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bishop McNamara High School or the Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation, which provides scholarships to local students and supports research to find a cure for ALS. . Bishop McNamara High School - www.bishopmac.com/ Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation - smithlegacyfoundation.org/

Patrick Michael O'Brien

February 28, 1947 - May 7, 2015