May the wind always be at your back, the sun upon your face and the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.
EDWARD N. O’BRIEN, age 77, passed away on March 9, 2025 at home where he wished to be with his partner and best friend of 37 years, Linda Ziniewicz and his loved ones.
He was born in Springfield, OH to Robert and Mary Lynn (nee Shaw) O’Brien. He is survived by his children, Jessica O’Brien (Scott Croteau ) of Maine and Joshua O’Brien (Christine) of Indiana, cherished grandchildren: Sebastien Croteau and Neve O’Brien. He was special “Pops” to Lisa Podnar and Keith Ziniewicz (Mary Kay) and daughter Lily Ziniewicz. Ed had one sister Margaret “Peg” O’Brien and niece Caitlin Sing (Neil) of Arizona. He is loved and deeply missed by his favorite cousin Darlene “Pugg” Cooper.
Ed was a graduate of Maple Heights High, Wilmington College and Case Western Reserve University with a Masters’ degree in Theatre. He graduated from Tri-C with a degree as Physician Assistant and spent his professional career at Huron Road Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital, retiring after 25 years.
He enjoyed travel and visiting places as Paris, England, Spain, Africa and his favorite Ireland (twice) and New York City. Ed enjoyed football, especially watching the Buckeyes. As he liked to say, as a player himself, what he lacked in size, he made up in slowness. He had a great interest in collecting and reading books his whole life, he never met a book he didn’t like. But the theatre is where his passion really took hold with acting, singing (perfect pitch as he humbly reminded,) but especially directing community theatre productions. Recent years were filled riding his red Spyder trike or walking the Metro Park trails with his signature walking poles.
Per Ed’s wishes, (an Irishman to the end), he requested an Irish Wake Celebration with friends and family. We will honor this request this Summer with a date and place to be announced.
Ed was a good and kind man and friend to many people. He loved laughing, listening to and telling fun stories. Ed O’Brien is missed every single day and will never be forgotten by all who loved him.
