Condolences to the family, prayers and blessings to you. Mr. O’Brien was my favorite teacher at Notre Dame High School. He was a phenomenal teacher who inspired us to think critically and creatively. I cannot thank him enough for the profound impact he made on my life. I am a writer and artist because of the literary foundation he provided for NDHS students. I thank him for sharing his love of Ireland and Seamus Heaney. I was able to visit Ireland and Northern Ireland and meet his favorite poet, all because of his passion for literature. Teachers can truly change lives. He changed mine, and countless others. Rest In Peace. God bless. 

Bill was an inspiration to his colleagues at CHS.  He connected to his students in a way that all admired.  As someone true to his Irish heritage, he had a gift for storytelling, constantly entertaining us in the faculty room and hallways.  His years of contributions to the union that benefited all the staff showed his selflessness.  He was a great teacher, husband, father, grandfather, and human being.  In his life that ended too soon, he impacted so many students and colleagues.  We are all better for having known him.   He was a fixture in Hopewell Valley and he will be sorely missed. 

Beloved teacher and mentor. My heart goes to the family. He will always be remembered and loved. 

Mr.O'brien was one of the teachers that fully understood the impact that he had on his students, and I was able to witness this first hand when I had him for English class. He loved having conversations with his students, each and every one of them, and we gladly reciprocated.You could tell he was incredibly passionate about teaching us not only what we were reading about, but about life through his many "anecdotes". He loved all of us, he loved history and reading, and he loved his family. He was truly someone who loved life.

I had the privilege of knowing Bill for 17 years. He was a great, genuine friend & we rarely had a day when we didn’t talk & joke with each other. I really miss trying to get under his skin &  making him laugh! He was a masterful story teller who really connected with his students. He was also an incredible mentor & friend to my wife & she will miss his guidance as well. Until we meet again.  

Bill was a dear friend and beloved colleague to all of us at HVCHS.  I cannot quite fathom that we will no longer hear his voice booming through the halls or see him standing in a crosswalk, watching over our students.  Bill loved teaching.  He loved he loved his fellow teachers.  And he loved his family.  We will all miss him so very much.   

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the O’Brien family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It was an honor to be a student in Mr. O’Brien’s Honors English class. He had great pride and love for his family which was evident in the stories he would share with his class. Mr. O’Brien was an amazing teacher who taught his students the importance of hard work. He encouraged us to pursue our dreams and most importantly to believe in ourselves. With the passing of this beloved educator, there will forever be a void in the hallways and classrooms of HVCHS. Mr. O’Brien will be dearly missed but never forgotten. 

Bill was a genuinely caring man and teacher and was so devoted to his family.  My heart goes out to his family and friends.  He will be sorely missed!

I was a colleague and, I hope, friend to Bill at Hopewell Valley Central High School. I think the word passionate describes so much of his approach to life. When I have read everything people have written, I am most struck by the words of his students. All students should have a teacher like Bill, someone who can inspire, offer advice where needed and make you care about something you didn’t know you could like. In fact, years ago some seniors told me that they decided if they had a teacher for a father, they would pick Bill. His passion for teaching and for learning made him so well-loved and respected. The freshmen feared him and the upperclassmen loved him. He was a distinct and memorable presence in the school.As a colleague his passion for teachers was clear and something he championed through his work with our education association. I pray for all who feel his loss so deeply: his family at home and his family at school.

I wanted to offer my deepest condolences, sympathy and love during this horrible time. Mr. O'Brien was my teacher from Sophomore to Senior year. He became my mentor at the age of 14 and I kept choosing to take English electives just so I could have him as my teacher. He made me fall in love with English, writing, story-telling and more. He even taught us how to play rugby... He was my biggest support and my champion. I wrote my college essay on his mentorship. He will be forever remembered, forever missed, forever loved. 

Mr. O'Brien was an incredible mentor, caring teacher, and a kind man. He will forever be a teacher that I remember for not just how well he taught, but the life lessons he shared with us. I learned more about the scope of my life to come in his class than I have anywhere else, and I am very grateful for it. He was incredibly encouraging, and was always very interested in my life and future. Most teachers would just wish you luck on your way to college, but he was there with me every step of the way. He wrote me a phenomenal letter of recommendation and awarded me the English Award in my junior year, both of which led me to a college where I found my home and community. I am very appreciative of all the time he took to mentor, teach, and talk with me. I have fond memories of him from my junior year, when I was in his class, and throughout senior year, as I discussed my goals and plans with him. He told me that I needed to come back to help him with all of his aches and bumps after I had become a doctor, and I wish I would've had the chance. Mr. O'Brien was rare in the sense that he was truly invested in his student's lives, not just their education. This is a great loss to the Hopewell community, and he will leave a glorious legacy, one which includes his love of his Irish heritage, his array of life lessons to give, and his overwhelming sense of care for his students. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and grandchild, all of which he talked about with great love in every class.

May the road rise up to meet you.May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warmly on your face;the rains fall softly on your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Rest easy, Mr. O Brien 

Bill was a friend, mentor, and a tireless defender of the teaching profession. He was well-known for his ability to inspire his students, but he inspired his colleagues in equal measure. He was an institution at CHS- a constant part of the academic and cultural fabric of the building. His leadership and strength will not be forgotten, and will live on in those of us who had the privilege to work with him. My favorite memories of Bill were our informal conversations and the laughs we shared, whether in each other’s rooms after class or during chance meetings in the hallway. He was a great conversationalist and a storyteller, and we could discuss just about any topic. I will miss those moments, and regret that I did not know him for longer.   

Bill and I were hired at CHS around the same time. I was always impressed at his level if professionalism, camaraderie and high expertise in his field. He was a true Irishman, proud of his heritage and proud father and husband. His contributions as an HVEA representative through many negotiations are too numerous to mention. He will be sorely missed by all at Hopewell Valley.

Mr. O’Brien was an incredibly good man, and an even better teacher and influence upon us. I graduated in 2013, and had him for multiple honors English courses. While I was loud and very vocal, Mr. O’Brien and I always had a unique bond. I vividly remember him reminiscing upon his younger days during his military service, and proclaiming to my honors English class that should he ever find himself in battle, he’d want me beside him in the trenches knowing I’d have his back, and he, mine. I can say honestly, as a 15 year old, I didn’t realize how impactful, meaningful, and honorable this was to hear. I didn’t know how to respond, but I want to thank him as he watches over us forever more. I can’t express how much this means to me as an adult now. He will be missed greatly; for which language, verbiage, and our love can never fully explain. Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for all you did for your family, friends, and students at HVRSD. 

Our deepest sympathy to Kathleen and her family. Bill was such an accomplished man, whether teaching or volunteering.  We were fortunate to have him as a President of our Sons  and Daughters of Erin.  He will be missed.

Kath, Sharon and Erin...my heartfelt condolences to you.  Bill had such an impact on all those he met as can be witnessed by the countless guests who have signed this book.  May it bring you comfort in this time to know how he touched everyone.  He will be missed.Sending much love to you

Hi my name is Katie I met Willia's daughter Sharon O'Brien in 2010 on a study abroad trip to Seville Spain. Sharon is a fun and sweet person. My prayers go out to Sharon and her family. May you find strength and peace during this hard difficult loss. Prayers to you all. 

I took Writing with Mr. O'Brien when I was applying to college, and I'm certain his guidance, encouragement and rigor in teaching helped me turn out an essay that made my application shine- I was accepted to UVM, and I credit him greatly in that achievement. He was a pillar of Hopewell Valley High School, even if you didn't have him as your teacher you knew who he was and how important a teacher he was to the community. The many memories shared here are a testament to his impact in the world, his legacy will live on for a long time. I wish his family, friends a close community peace, comfort and fond memories in this time of sadness. My  heart goes out to you all in his memory.

To hear of the sudden passing of such a kind, gentle, impactful person such as Mr. O’Brien is a tragedy and a shock to us all. He was truly one of the best,  a treasure to the students of CHS and a blessing to the parents, who appreciated his passion, humor, support and excellence in teaching our children. My daughter Piper had a wonderful relationship with him that of course started with her very Irish name and continued with their shared love of the Navy, Disney, and English. Mr. O mentored her through her college decisions, wrote her dreaded college recommendation, and encouraged her to pick the school she loved, not the one with the biggest “name”, all the while feigning sadness that she turned down his Rutgers. Once, while awarding her a book scholarship in her junior year , Mr. O remarked that Piper was going to be a doctor and that he was looking forward to her coming back to the area to be His doctor. How I wish this would have turned out to be true. But mostly I want to say to his wife, daughters, and granddaughter that I feel I know you. The love for you that Bill expressed daily to his students- and then they told us when they got home from school- proved that while teaching was his passion, you ladies were his Everything in his life. May you keep all the memories of him close to your heart and may time heal your sadness. As you read each one of these tributes, surely you will know that Mr. O’Brien will never be forgotten. May God bless you in your time of grief. 

Mr. O’Brien was an amazing human being, teacher, and mentor, who never fell short of brightening the classroom with an exceptional combination of compassion, knowledge, wit, and wisdom. He was a teacher who genuinely cared about each of his students. Mr. O’Brien wanted to see each of us succeed — while in high school, college, and beyond in our lives; he celebrated even the smallest of our achievements and voiced his disappointment when he knew we hadn’t performed to the fullest of our abilities. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been one of his students and to have witnessed the immense love for all he did. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones, for the loss of a truly remarkable person who touched the lives of so many. 

I have never enjoyed English class more than when Mr. O’Brien was at the helm! He was wonderful teacher who had a way for breathing new life and coolness to some good old fashioned literature.  Mr. O’Brien was an incredibly gifted story teller as well.  Wishing peace and healing to his friends and family, whom he ALWAYS spoke about so fondly as he taught.

Mr. O'Brien was one of, if not the most, memorable teacher I had from high school. I always looked forward to his class, hearing his stories, and actually enjoying an English class. He was able to connect with so many students and truly taught us the skills to succeed. I am so grateful to have been his student and know I will never forget him. Thank you Mr. O'Brien, for your passion and dedication to your students, your impact upon HVCHS and the whole community is irreplaceable. 

I met  Bill while I was in college with his sister, Mary Fran....my thoughts and prayers are with his family. 

Mr. O'Brien was the teacher who had the greatest impact on me while I was in high school. I was first introduced to him when I expressed my interest in joining the military. He started to mentor me when I became a sophomore and continually checked in on me, making sure I was working on my applications for colleges. I would not be attending the Air Force Academy without his help and I am sure that many of my classmates feel the same about the impact that he has had on his students. God Bless and thank you for everything.

I had the privilege of taking Mr. O’Brien’s English class senior year. He was the most influential teacher in the school. Mr. O’Brien was a man of high integrity and taught many  valuable life lessons that went beyond the novels. The first day of class Mr. O’Brien promised me that I would have no trouble in his class because of my strong Irish name! His presence will never be replaced in the halls and in the classroom but his legacy will always be there.  

Mr. O’Brien was a fantastic teacher and a positive influence. I’m very grateful he cared for all of his students. 

If the legacy of a man is determined by the good that he has inspired, then Bill O’Brien will echo through the ages. My most sincere sympathies to Kathleen and family, you are in my prayers. Love, Camille and Jim Mallon and family. 

He was always there to say hi to me in the hallway I did not had him as a teacher but he was so nice and caring 

I had the great privilege and pleasure of working with Bill for 23 years. He was the anchor of the English Department for decades. He was a great and influential presence in all regards for colleagues and students. He is irreplaceable. His leadership, intelligence, generosity, and wit were unmatched. We wish peace and comfort to all Bill's family, friends, colleagues and students.

I was so heartbroken to hear about the passing of this truly wonderful man. I had the pleasure of taking his honors English class my junior and senior years of high school. (I actually requested to be recommended and placed into honors English for the sole purpose of taking his class). He was, by far, one of the absolute best teachers I have ever had, but more than that he was a good human being with a great heart and was an incredible role model. He truly enjoyed his job and took it upon himself to not only teach the subject matter but to get to know his students and do his best to teach us about life as well. He was full of stories about his past experiences as well as traditional Irish ghost stories around Christmas time. Although I may have given him a hard time about Beowulf and murdering baby squirrels, he always understood me and dealt with my nonsense like a champ. He allowed me to eat my lunch in his class when I was in Cosmetology school and did not get a lunch period. He never looked down on the fact I ALWAYS had to actually take the midterm. And he helped with my college essays with grace. I will never forget the day, my senior year of high school I had a panic attack (my first really bad one) while watching a war documentary in history class, walked out, and ended up walking into his classroom. He immediately comforted me seemingly understanding what was happening better than I did at the time. I basically had a full breakdown about the ugliness of the world. He told me that I had a big heart and that this world needs more people like me, more people that care as much as I do, and that I should never change. That has always stuck with me and comes to mind whenever I have similar moments. In a lot of ways he was a bit of a second father figure and I’m sad I didn’t have the chance to see him in the recent years. You always think there will be more time. I am just grateful I got the opportunity to know him and to be in his class. What a great man. I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that he will always be thought of highly and often by all of his students. He made more of an impact than he will ever know.

There are not enough words to express my deep sorrow. Bill was the best friend, the best colleague, the best inspiration...just simply the best. We had reconnected last month and had a chance to catch up and talk shop (his teaching/my writing/my missing teaching/his wanting to write. I am so grateful for that conversation. We reminisced about the school musicals, the trips with the students to Ireland, the Dodge Poetry Festivals, our days serving together on the Teachers Association...we shared some laughs, just like the old days. I know Bill is gone from here, and I know he hated to go, to leave his beloved family, his beloved students and friends, but I'm sure he's found his way to a nice green hillside where he can look down on us all and smile. RIP, dear friend...

Mr. O’Brien so truly and deeply cared for each one of his students. He made sure to check in if we were having a hard time or were missing assignments. He loved teaching seniors because he got to see them start the “Odyssey” that would be their lives. And he loved telling us about his own Odyssey. He shared stories from all throughout his life, from when he was a kid to his time at Holy Cross to Navy to Rutgers and eventually his long time teaching at HVCHS. Mr. O’Brien came to every HVCHS home football game in all my time there. He always chaperoned the student section, making sure no one (especially the freshman) was getting into trouble. As a cheerleader, I was always on the field but when I looked back at the Dawg Pound, O’Brien was a constant. He was a constant in the hallways at school since I was a freshman and he was a constant at school events. His class was a constant for every day. He was so important to all of us. He told us stories about his family, whom he was so proud of. He told us stories about Ireland and about his ancestors. He told us about his daughters, both of whom he was so proud of, and showed us so many pictures of Faye, who he loved more than anything in the world. And he made all of his students feel like family too. He loved us and he made sure we knew that. My heart breaks for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Give your mom a big hug, OB. She must be so proud of all the good you brought into this world. I miss you, Mr. O’Brien. “Absence, the highest form of presence.” - James Joyce You may not be here with us, but you will always be in our minds and hearts. Thank you for everything. 

Mr. O’Brien was one of the best teachers I ever had! His true passion for literature always inspired me. He knew how to be tough on us at the right times and pushed me to be better than I thought I could. I always respected him for that and his ability to see greatness in his students, inside and outside of the classroom. He will truly be missed in our community! Many blessings to his family during this tough time. 

I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Mr. O'Brien. Long after my years as a student, your teaching (content, method, and style) stay with me today. I hope I have had a fraction of the influence on my students' lives as you had on mine.You will be sorely missed by the Hopewell community; we are better because of you. Thank you, O'Brien family, for sharing him with us.  

Mr. O'Brien was one of my favorite teachers. I loved having him for honors English, during my junior and senior year in high school. In addition to being a great teacher, Mr. O'Brien was also a wonderful person. He was such a great mentor to me, my two siblings,  and so many of my peers. He will be missed greatly.

Mr. O’Brien saw potential in all of his students. He made us feel seen and valued for who we were. I greatly respected and admired him as a wonderful teacher and compassionate human being. The life lessons and stories he shared in class have had a lasting impact on my life. I will always remember him fondly and strive to live my life with the same integrity as he did. My heart goes out to his loved ones. I hope that you can find some peace and comfort in your memories. Mr. O’Brien positively impacted countless lives, and I truly believe that ripple effect will continue onward through the actions of his former students, colleagues, friends and family. 

Am very sad to see that Mr. O'Brien has passed away. He was one of the best teachers in Hopewell Valley and this is a great loss. I especially appreciate him for how he taught Macbeth and Beowulf, and he did that with a passion, only second to how much he cared for his students. He was tough in the best way, and you could only respect him and be drawn to him.Deepest condolences to his loved ones.

Kathleen: sincerest condolences from Bruce and I. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Take care and stay well.

Mr. O’Brien was a great influence in my development as a person. I can say that to this day I carry his teachings with me and will always remember his classes. I am sad to think that future classes will not be able to learn from him and take away his moral lessons. He was a great teacher and even greater person. He will be deeply missed. 

Mr. O’Brien was a great man who truly cared about his students. Through his stories, he taught us important life lessons. He was my favorite teacher in high school and his words of wisdom will always stick with me. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. 

There is not a word for the sadness I feel at the world's loss of Bill.  He was a mentor, colleague, father figure, and brought so much to our school community.  I am a better person and teacher as a result of having Bill in my life.  I was almost let go my first year, as I wasn't "fitting the mold" well.  Bill was right next to me that entire time, even representing me.  I always had him come to my junior class to read the opening lines of Beowulf in Anglo-Saxon.  The kids LOVED it every time.  I know he is in heaven now and is probably having a cup of tea with Wordsworth and Whitman!  

Mr. O’Brien was a remarkable human and teacher. He always pushed me to try my best, was there to listen to me whenever I needed him, and he made me feel like I was “seen” every day. I always felt like I was one of the “cool kids” when I was in his class. Now, as an English teacher myself, I often look back on my own education to gather sources of inspiration to use with my students. Mr. O’Brien is definitely one of those inspirations. Even though I’m not reading my students Beowulf, or gathering beach balls during my students graduation ceremonies, I am trying to be the person my students need me to be, in addition to showing my students love, compassion and grace. I learned the importance of that through having Mr. O’Brien as my teacher. I send my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten. 

Mr. O'Brien was both my homeroom teacher as well as English teacher. He will forever stand out in my mind as one of the teachers who was kindest to me but also challenged me to push myself beyond doing what I needed to just to get by. He saw more in me than I saw in myself and for that I will always be thankful.       My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. 

Mr. O’Brien was a role model and a mentor who took me under his wing during a difficult time growing up. He taught me life lessons that I still hold close to my heart. His courses were engaging, fun, and challenging. I loved every moment in his classroom. He believed in me when no one else would and encouraged me to follow to my passion for writing. He helped me discover myself. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support and guidance. He will always be a role model to me, and I will always be grateful for his mentorship. Rest in peace, sir. You left us far too soon. 

Bill was an inspiration to us all. From the moment I began my journey as a Counselor at Hopewell Valley in 2011, Bill was a constant support and a kind friend. I have many warm memories of Bill making me laugh, sharing stories of his family, checking-in on me and my family, and of course, Bill was always a first stop when I needed support, and a strong person in my corner. When I would describe Bill to those who did not know him, I would explain, “He is the teacher we all wish we had.” To his wonderful family, he spoke of you with love and pride daily. Thank you for sharing him with us every day. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I've always cherished the memories of my time in Mr. O'Brien's classes. Every session was a lecture, and when Mr. O'Brien wasn't reading from the text directly, he was teaching us through the stories and experiences of his own life. Love, loss, faith, joys, he shared it all freely, baring his very soul to his students. He seemed to have lived as rich and fulsome a life as any person could dream to, and he inspired me to follow my own passions with that same zeal. I had always wanted to write to Mr. O'Brien and to thank him and to express how much his classes meant to me, but I never felt able to put it into words. I so deeply regret that now I'll never have the chance.My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. I only hope you can take comfort in knowing just how many lives he touched, and just how profoundly he will be missed by those who had the good fortune to know him.

Mr. O’Brien was the best teacher I ever had! He taught me more about the world, about life, about writing, and about reading than anyone else.  I contribute my success in life in large part to Mr. O’Brien.

Mr. O’Brien was an amazing teacher. He inspired students and was tough on us when need be, because he loved us. He always had a great story and warm smile to share.He was one of the first teachers to ever believe in and encourage me. I’ll be forever thankful for having known him. 

Mr. O'Brien was one of the teachers who left an impact on all of his students. His big personality and presence was such a delight, and his passion and love for literature and teaching showed through every day - both in the classroom and out. I am so blessed that I was able to have him as a teacher, as he really  helped shape who I am as a person today. His wisdom and knowledge remains with me to this day. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Mr. O'Brien was one of a kind, and will be missed dearly. 

If someone were to ask me who my best teacher was in high school, Mr. O'Brien would come to mind without a second thought.  It was so clear how much he cared about his profession and his students.  I am so thankful to have known him, and grateful for the inspirational words he gave me upon graduating in 2006.  My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.  Thank you for sharing him with us. 

I am so sorry for your loss and am keeping the O’Brien family in my prayers. Mr. O’Brien brought literature to life and made me feel valued and heard as a student. He always went above and beyond for his students, and those who were able to learn from him were beyond lucky.

Wow, this is shocking news and I am truly stunned!  As a Holy Cross Classmate, Football Teammate and Friend,  words can't express my deepest and sincere condolences.  Ironically, earlier today while washing my truck, found memories of Bill were pouring into my head.  My thoughts were to make contact tonight.  Perhaps he was reaching out to say fair well.  Best wishes to the O’Brien Family and I will keep Billy in my prayers.   Respectfully,John Dattilio1051 Highpoint LnBogart, GA 30622home: 706-310-4250  cell: 678-756-9820jdattilio@comporium.net

In loving memory of a great English teacher that challenged me to exceed my own expectations. You will be truly missed.

Mr. O'Brien's class was something I always looked forward to, as his stories were endless and his classes were so engaging. He was always quick to help with any personal issues and truly embodied what it means to be a teacher, both in the classroom and in life. His classes provided some really unforgettable moments and I know he was a mentor to a vast number of students over his years teaching and I am proud to say he was one of mine. Sending my sympathy to all his family and friends. - Tom Hageman HVCHS Class of 2012

I’m so saddened by this news. My daughter, who was one of Bill’s students at Hopewell Valley Regional School District broke thenews to me. My children ( Urbanski) we’re privileged to be students of Bills. The stories they told me about him validated how important a stellar educator is for students of all ages—-especially High School. The love and respect they had for “Mr. O’ Brien” is tremendous and as a patent, I’m blessed to know that my children were educated by the best. I honestly don’t know what else to say except I’m so sad that we’ve lost a man who truly cared—and that’s a rarity. Gone but remembered by my children and me. Bill was one of the greats! God bless his family at this time.

I was fortunate to be in Mr. O'Brien's class at Hopewell. He was a talented educator, able to engage all students in the love of great literature and poetry. I remember hilarious moments in his class, the ways that he was able to connect with us all, and his incredible reading of Beowulf which delighted and amazed students. Mr. O'Brien inspired a love of reading in so many students, and more importantly, a great love of learning which has undoubtedly left an immense impact for generations to come. This is a massive loss for his family, community, colleagues, and students and Mr. O'Brien will be so very missed. 

Bill was a good friend and peer teacher. We lived our Irish heritage and shared many stories of faith and culture. I know he is heaven because he was a man of deep faith, a gentleman of action and contagious spirit. He inspired so many and was a gift and light in many lives. His spirit lives and will not be diminished. He blesses all from above.May his dear family and friends be blessed with solace and gentle love from the Lord and Our Lady at this time of mourning.

So sad to hear of Bill’s passing.  May happy memories comfort his family and friends.

Kathy, we are so sorry to hear of Bill's death.  We remember the Feisanna with Sharon and Erin and our Megan....the Sons and Daughters  parties and dances. He was  always a delight to talk to, especially about  the literature of Ireland and the Irish Brigade in the Civil War. He will be sorely missed.   Ar deis De go raibh a anam.                             Sue and Paddy Rooney

We had the opportunity to get to know Bill through our neighbors, Marian and Joe.  Our son, Drew, then had the special opportunity to have him as his English teacher.  Sending our deepest sympathy.

I always looked forward to Mr. O'Brien's class. A great teacher and will be missed. --Michael Stellino HVCHS Class of 2006

So sorry for your loss. And at such a young age. Mr. O'Brien was one of my absolute favorite teachers in all my years of schooling. He had a great sense of humor. He was a positive influence in so many students' lives, and I know he will be greatly missed by anyone that knew him.

Kathleen & Family,I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.With sincere sympathy,Tracey Wolf

I will arise and go now, for always night and dayI hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,I hear it in the deep heart's core.    W.B. Yeats "The Isle of Innisfree"I have always respected Billy so much!  His dedication to Kathleen and the pride in his girls Sharon and Erin could be seen in his eyes!  He is a beautiful Irish soul that will be missed greatly!

Mr. O'Brien instilled a lifelong love for poetry while he was my teacher at HVCHS.  He taught not only English, but shared wisdom earned from life.  It makes me sad that he has passed, but know that his life and work had a powerful and positive effect on hundreds of students that endures to this day.

Mr. O’Brien left a lasting impression during English class. Some of my most vivid academic memories are from his class including his teachings of Beowulf and parts of the Old Testament. Wishing his loved ones peace during such a difficult time. -Lisa, HVCHS class of 2007

I knew Bill from teaching in Hopewell Valley for many years. We were on Language Arts committees together and were both received Teacher of the Year awards the same year for our respective buildings. He was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot from him. My deepest sympathy to his family for your loss. Ann Marie AnthonyDunedin, Florida

Bill was such an amazing teacher and supporter of his students and colleagues. He will be greatly missed by the entire HVRSD community. Sending sincere sympathy to the entire O'Brien family on the loss of this larger than life man. Rest in peace, Bill. 

Bill was a fearless leader and inspirational teacher who made every single person in the school feel important, even on their worst days. His stories and legacy will never be forgotten. He was truly the heart and soul of our school and we will miss him more than can ever be described.Here is a song I wrote to express what Bill has meant to me as a colleague..."Is it too late now to thank you for all the things you’ve done for me?How can it be true that we’re losing you, when there’s still so much to see?Is it too late now to let you know you’re the last one of your kind?When this year has been such an awful sin and your words still fill my mind.But Bill, you’ve gone the way of the poets in the sky,To take your place among the teachers watching from on high,Oh, Bill, you have arrived may your wisdom never ceaseYeah, you fought for us in life, so won’t you rest your soul in peace?Is it too late now to admit that I've been inspired by your ways?In the book I write, you’re the guiding light, that I’ll follow all my days,Is it too late now to say goodbye as you’re walking down the hall...In your rugby shirt? I can feel the hurt, cause you’re not there when I call.But Bill, you’ve gone the way of the poets in the sky,To take your place among the teachers watching from on high,Oh, Bill, you have arrived may your wisdom never cease,Yeah, you fought for us in life, so won’t you rest your soul in peace?But Bill, you’ve gone the way of the poets in the sky,To take your place among the teachers watching from on high,Oh, Bill, you have arrived may your wisdom never ceaseYeah, you fought for us in life, so won’t you rest your soul in peace?....May your stories never die. Oh, won’t you rest your soul in peace?"

I became a teacher because of educators like Mr. O'Brien. He played a tremendous role in turning my life around and convincing me that school was a place where I could thrive. When I graduated college, I wanted to do for others what people like Mr. O'Brien did for me. I keep Harold Bloom books on my shelf because of him and will never forget his lectures about MacBeth and the slippery slope. I am a better person because of him. 

I've just learned that Mr. O'Brien passed away.  I was one of his Hopewell Valley High School students back in the 1990s (I graduated in 1995).  As a teacher Mr. O'Brien introduced me to Romantic era poetry and also poetry by Robert Frost and Seamus Heaney. I fondly remember him taking our class outside on a particularly beautiful autumn day and reading poetry to us in the dappled shade of an oak tree.  The poetry that he introduced us to has continued to play an important roll in my life.  Some of it I could only truly grasp later in my life but he had a way of explaining it in deeply personal ways and how he personally connected to them.  For example describing how as a child his father kicking a football was so impossibly impressive, so high, but as he got older it seemed ever less so.  I believe this came from discussing "Birches" by Robert Frost.  This is a long way of expressing my gratitude to Mr. O'Brien.  He sent so many of us out into the world with a greater appreciation of art and literature.  To his family I offer my most sincere condolences.  May family, friends and good memories bring you comfort now and in the days to come.  I'm sorry for your trouble.

Bill was a mentor, colleague, and most importantly, friend. I will miss his big voice, big laugh, and really big presence so much. Our department won't be the same without him to talk to. I am going to miss his wisdom, and his compassion. His love for our work and his passion for CHS was such a unifying force. Bill was the center of the English Department and he leaves an enormous hole behind. He was the best shoulder to lean on when the inevitable crisis of faith would come up and so many of us thought about leaving the profession. He's been the reason so many of us are still teachers. I'm going to miss the Lion of Hopewell so much. We loved him so much. 

Kathy and family,   So sorry for your loss, way too early! I was fortunate enough to be on the championship team at HCHS and had some classes with Bill, always easy to smile and his distinct laugh and positive attitude was infectious. What a great testimony To his life as I read the comments of his former students!!You and he are in our thoughts and prayers.  God Bless

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mr. O’Brien was my English teacher for several years. I thank him for sharing his knowledge with me. Rest In Peace, Sir. 

May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this very sad time.So sorry for your loss.

Mr. O’Brien was a wonderful man who shaped the lives of countless graduates of HVCHS (myself included). He will be dearly missed. - Brian, HVCHS Class of 2007 

Mr. O’Brien.  He read us Yeats. He introduced me to Seamus Heaney and Sylvia Plath. His love for poetry was infectious and inspired me to pursue an English degree as well as a teaching degree because he encouraged me and believed in me as a reader and writer. He will never hear my words. I ran into him in Vito’s a few years back and tried to express my appreciation for his class, but I stumbled on my words.  I’m sure my kids were pulling on my arms and legs in an attempt to force me out of there.  I reminded him of the entertaining yarn he told us about how his hair turned white from the familial torment of a banshee. His face grew solemn and his voice quiet as he refused to confess his tall tale.  In his classroom, his stories immediately hooked us and left us hanging on every word. When we shared our own interpretations of romantic poetry, he encouraged our ideas and made our words feel important. As I read about his death, I start my 9th year teaching 8th grade English (during a global pandemic), and I wish I could sit with him one last time; Then, he could share some last morsels of sage teaching advice.  I realize though how he’s already done this through his actions and presence in my class 25 years ago:1) Share your passion for what you do with your students- let it be infectious.2) Form meaningful connections, so they want to be in your room.3) Believe in them and help to build their confidence, so they want to push themselves beyond expectations. 4) Share your own stories of who you are and where you’ve been.5) Be consistent, be present, and be your authentic self.Rest easy, Mr. O’Brien.  Please know that your legacy will outlive you and your teaching has changed lives.  ❤

I’m an educator (English teacher by training) and a school leader today because of teachers like Mr. O’Brien. He had such a positive impact on me and he gave me so much hope for my own future and what I could achieve. I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I can’t overstate how many young people at Hopewell felt supported and seen by him.

Mr. O'Brien was my homeroom teacher and English teacher, and he was the most important teacher I've ever had in my life.  He was there for me when my mental health got bad, there to speak to me after school when I needed a positive adult role model in my life, and honestly saved my life. I moved back to new Zealand after high school and I always dreamed of getting to visit and tell him how much he meant to me and thank him, and it's heart breaking that I will never get that chance.  I'm sure his family and community are aware, but i hope they know how huge of an impact he had on so many lives and he is one of the best people I've ever met in my life. Sending all the love to his family at this time. 

In loving memory of a wonderful person and teacher. He re-ignited my love of reading and literature first in my junior year in 2006 and through my senior year. This love of a good book continues today. Mr. O’Brien also made me feel more proud of my Irish heritage through his wonderful stories. It turned out that I am even distantly related to him by marriage. He was such a presence at Hopewell Valley Central High School in 2008 and I am sure he remained so until his death. We will love you and miss you always.

Mr. O'Brien was my English teacher at HVCHS back in 1990.  I always thought he was engaging, and I truly enjoyed his enthusiasm he had for teacher and his students.  I was thrilled to see that my daughter met him and developed a relationship with him as I did when it was her turn to attend HVCHS.  He will be missed by me, by my daughter, by many.

Sorry for your loss, Mr.O'Brien turned me into a great football player while at Notre Dame he was a good man.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

William K. O'Brien

Décédé(e) le 3 SEPTEMBRE 2020

James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc.

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