Dennis Christopher O’brien

Born on December 25th, 1964 (60), Dennis, a Christmas baby, was the son of Marie McGlynn O’Brien and the late John Earl O’Brien passed away on May 28th 2025 surrounded by his family. Dennis was one of ten children and was raised in West Avoca.

He attended Saint Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Pittston Area High School. After high school, he joined the Army Reserve and served his country for many years. Dennis worked in the security field at the Luzerne County Courthouse and for the past 18 years, as a security officer for the Pittston Area School District. He currently was on Avoca Council as the Vice President.  

Deeply invested in his community, Dennis was an avid outdoorsman and proud member of numerous organizations, including the Queen of Apostles Parish, Ancient Order of Hibernians, West Side Social Club Avoca (serving on the Board of Directors), Chicken Coop Rod & Gun, Squirrels Nest Rod & Gun, and The Hole in the Wall Gang. He also loved hunting in New York with his brother Michael and in Thornhurst with his family and friends. Dennis was also a fixture within the Avoca Little League, always supporting his children and young players in the community. During his down time, he enjoyed watching Notre Dame, Phillies, Raiders, any Outdoor Channel show, and classic Westerns. 

Above all, Dennis was the ultimate father to his son and daughters. He put his children at the forefront of any decision he made in his life, as they did for him the last few months of his life.  He was in an accident in 1989 and lost his right arm. This disability not only made him stronger but yet more determined to live his life the way he wanted to live it. He had the ability to utilize his one arm just as though he had both of them. A day did not go by without him working long hours for the school district, or during the summer days, putting in above ground pools and taking any other job that he could make a quick buck for his family. Dennis was the “Cowboy of the outdoors”, always ready for his next hunting or fishing adventure with his children, grandson, family and friends. His personality, kindness, manners, and storytelling (sometimes over the top) will leave an everlasting impression on anyone who ever met him. He was a fixture at all the events within the Pittston Area School District, and he touched the lives of many students. Dennis could be summed up with one word “GRIT “. 

Dennis is survived by his son Christopher and companion Janelle; daughters Katelee (his devoted caretaker) and Susanna; his grandson Joey; step-grandchildren Conner and Isabella; his mother Marie of Wilkes-Barre; siblings Erin (Mike) Gallagher of Madison Twp., Mary Margaret McDermott of Avoca, Ret. SGM Michael (Patricia) O’Brien of Wilmington, Del., Joseph Patrick O’Brien of Exeter, James (Ann) O’Brien of Avoca, Marie (Michael) O’Malley of Harding, Earl O’Brien of Avoca, and Eileen (Scott) of Carbondale; Godmother Margie Linskey; his best friend Joe Ruda and wife Mickie; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and “cousins by the dozens.”

He was preceded in death by his father John Earl and brother John (Goober); His grandparents Earl & Mary O’Brien; James & Margaret McGlynn; in-laws David and Ann Berlew; Sister In-law Kelly Jackson O’Brien; among many other relatives. 

Dennis’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the fabulous neighbors and friends in Avoca and the Greater Pittston Area for their generosity and prayers over the past seven months. They also extend special thanks to his second family at the Pittston Area School District, who went above and beyond to show Dennis the deep love and support they held for him throughout his career. Additionally, the family is extremely grateful to Dr. Greenwald, Dr. Peters, Dr. Teitelbaum, Dr. Sheerer, Allied Services Hospice, and all the medical staff across the region who provided care and compassion during this difficult time. The services of Atty. Maura Armezzani Tunis and Atty. Samuel Falcone providing the family guidance through the last few months will forever be remembered. 

Dennis O’Brien’s legacy of love, strength, and community spirit will live on in all who knew him.

Celebration of life services will be held on Monday, June 9th at Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., bacyard grove area, 255 McAlpine St., Duryea from 4:00pm-7:00pm.  Fr. Paul McDonald of Divine Mercy Parish Church will officiate. Blessing services at 4:00pm and the AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston will provide military honors at 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to the Daughters of Dennis O’Brien College Fund.

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