Msgr William B. O'Brien

Monsignor William B. O'Brien died October 19 at St. Pius X Church in Scarsdale, N.Y. He was 90. Monsignor was a seminal figure in residential drug treatment and earned worldwide recognition and appreciation for his pioneering work in this field. That day over 50 years ago when he founded Daytop changed the way we view and treat addiction. He was also co-founder of the World Federation of Therapeutic Communities which he guided into a global movement establishing treatment programs in countries throughout the world. A trusted adviser to heads of state, as well as to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, Monsignor O'Brien helped shape policies that have radically improved treatment programs around the world. He was the author of the highly acclaimed book, "You Can't Do It Alone: The Daytop Way To Make Your Child Drug Free", published numerous papers in national and international journals, and inspired generations of treatment professionals. All the while he remained at heart a simple parish priest as deeply devoted to his parishioners at St. Brendan's in the Bronx as he was to the residents in treatment and their families. A truly extraordinary man of staggering faith, integrity, warmth, and loyalty whose impact on drug treatment has been profound and lasting. Monsignor O' Brien's enduring legacy will be his selfless dedication to saving young lives and his unswerving devotion to his church and God. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Pius X Church, 91 Secor Road, Scarsdale, N.Y. on Saturday October 25 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Pius X Church.