David James O'Brien

David James O’Brien, 72, of Girard, IL, died unexpectedly at home on August 19, 2023.  Dave was born to James and Mary (nee Maynerich) O’Brien on December 20, 1950.  He attended Virden High School, graduating as salutatorian in 1969.  At St. Louis College of Pharmacy, he was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Fraternity and graduated in 1974.  He was a dedicated pharmacist for over 50 years before retiring in 2015.  Dave was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church in Virden, active on the Finance Council and project coordinator of the Church renovations completed in 2018.

Dave married Mary Ellen Wilson in 1978 and raised three sons in Effingham, IL.  When Mary Ellen was diagnosed with ALS in 2010, Dave cared for her until her passing in 2012. In 2014 Dave met his current wife, Gail (Miller)Mottershaw. They married in 2016.  Together they enjoyed each other’s company, traveling, bird watching and visiting with family and friends.  Dave had a genuine volunteer spirit and was always willing to lend a hand in the various communities in which he lived.  Dave was a lifelong Chicago Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks fan. He was an inspiration to all. If there was work to be done, he was there. Dave loved a good bourbon, a well-manicured lawn and fishing.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Gail, 3 sons: Stephen (Ashley) O’Brien, Sean (Julie) O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien (Samantha Dunn), 2 step-children: Matthew Mottershaw (Sydney Goad) and Kathlena Mottershaw (Robert Jones), 5 grandchildren: Dylan O’Brien, Molly O’Brien, Abigail O’Brien, Parker Jones, and Logan Jones, 3 sisters: Marilyn O’Brien, Majorie Nicholson, and Kathy Thompson, 2 brothers: Dan O’Brien and Tim O’Brien, many nieces and nephews, countless friends, and his favorite cat, Sister. 

Visitation will be from 4 pm till 7 pm Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Virden. Funeral Mass will be at 10 am Thursday, August 24, 2023 at the church with Rev. James Palakudy. Burial will be in Virden Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church in Virden, IL.

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