Gerald "Jerry" O'Brien

Gerald F. "Jerry" O’Brien, 84, of Mesa died peacefully at home on July 18, 2014, surrounded by his daughters.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Mountain View Chapel. The celebration of life will follow at noon. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery.

Mr. O’Brien, known to his family as Daddy Popps and Poppie, was born on July 29, 1929, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was a son of Gerald I. and Helen O’Brien. He was a New York City policeman for 20 years and raised 11 children with his wife, Evelyn.

He was a hardworking, selfless man who loved God, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed running marathons, fishing in Alaska, dancing and watching his grandchildren play sports.

Survivors include nine sons and daughters, Mark A. O’Brien of Anchorage, Alaska, Gerald F. O’Brien Jr. of Pine Island, New York, Kevin P. O’Brien of Milton, Washington, Cynthia A. Furst of Glen Burnie, Maryland, Kathleen M. Trapp of Salem, Oregon, Patrick O’Brien of Westtown, New York, Mary E. Gerkin of Phoenix, Elizabeth A. Smith of Anchorage and Thomas E. O’Brien of Otisville, New York; 18 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; a son, John R. O’Brien; a daughter, Robin Lynn O’Brien; and a sister, Maureen E. O’Brien.