GUILDERLAND — James R. O’Brien, a gentle man full of faith, died on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at St. Peter’s Hospice, following an illness. He was 62.
Mr. O’Brien was born in Rockville Center, the son of the late James G. and Doris E. (Burns) O’Brien.

He grew up in Guilderland, and graduated from Guilderland High School in 1969.

He was a member of the Unity of Faith Christian Fellowship Church, where he participated in various activities.

“He was a very spiritual man,” said his wife of 18 years, Kathleen (née DeForge) O’Brien. “He took comfort in his faith, and read his Bible daily.”

Mr. O’Brien was employed by the Guilderland Department of Public Works and the Charles Freihofer Baking Company.

He was an avid reader, especially of Western novels, and enjoyed watching Turner Classic Movies and doing crossword puzzles.

“He was a very kind and gentle man,” said Mrs. O’Brien.

In addition to his wife, Mr. O’Brien is survived by his stepson, Rick Vanne, and his wife, Leanne; his siblings, Jacqueline A. Robinson, and her husband, Michael, Mark W. O’Brien, and Richard O’Brien; his sister-in-law, Linda O’Brien; his nieces and nephews, Sean O’Brien, Devin O’Brien, Sarah O’Brien, Phillip Robinson, Megan Robinson Griffin, and Ethan Robinson; and a great-niece and two great-nephews.

His brother, Kevin J. O’Brien, died before him.

A funeral service is being held today, Oct. 17, at the New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, in Altamont.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

— Anne Hayden Harwood