Family, friends, colleagues and patients mourn the passing of William R. O'Brien, M.D. Dr. O'Brien practiced his specialty of Psychoanalysis for almost 70 years and was one of the most respected physicians in his field in Pennsylvania. Dr. O'Brien graduated from Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, Saint Joseph's University, and Jefferson Medical College. After internship at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, he served for 2 years as a physician in the U.S. Army, stationed in Denver, Colorado during the waning years of World War II, attaining the rank of Captain. Upon his honorable discharge from military service, Dr. O'Brien served as a resident at the Veterans Administration Center in Philadelphia before beginning private practice centering at the Philadelphia Psychiatric Institute on 49th Street.

During his career, he served on the staff of Bryn Mawr Hospital, was a consulting physician at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania hospital, was a member and past president of the Philadelphia Psychoanalytic society, was an executive member of the American Psychological Association, worked as the drug and alcohol counselor for the Philadelphia Phillies, and received numerous awards and accolades from his peers. He continued his practice, seeing patients until 2 weeks prior to his passing.
Dr. O'Brien is survived by 4 children: Rory M. O'Brien, John W. O'Brien, Catherine A. Gladden, and Sylvia O'Brien. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Devin G. Wilkins, Jacelyn W. Cavanagh, Tyler M. Wilkins, and Tague B. Wilkins. All who knew him will miss the powerful presence of this vital, incisive, and caring man. He was a true gentleman.

Funeral Mass Tuesday February 9, 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Church, 350 Conshohocken State Rd., Gladwyne. Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation at the Church after 9:30 AM. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia, 3810 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19121 or to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515.