John T. O’Brien Army Veteran, avid hunter, owner/founder of Kleen-All Company, community advocate, life-long member of St. Joseph’s Parish, and longtime supporter of wetlands conservation.
Mr. O’Brien was a veteran of the United States Army & served during the Korean Conflict and left the service with the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon returning home in 1953, he launched the Kleen-All Company which thrived in our community for over 65 years. The business started with two employees and grew to over 20. His young son Gregory started emptying trash cans at only 9 and continues to play a major role in the company today.
He was instrumental, along with Murray Morrow & the people of Kiwanis Club, in creating the Kiwanis Park. He served as Chairman of the Planning Board for the Town of Batavia for over 20 years and was very involved during the growth and development of the west end of town.
One of his greatest passions in life was his work for Duck’s Unlimited. He became a DU volunteer in 1970 and started the Batavia Committee in 1973. From 1977 to 1984 he served as DU’s NYS Chairman and NYS Council Chairman. He also served nationally as the groups regional Vice President, Director at Large, & Senior Vice President of DU’s Nine State North Atlantic Flyway. Over the years he started over 44 Chapters of Duck’s Unlimited in the State of New York. In 1989 he was given an invitation to attend the DU Waterfowl Symposium where President George H. Bush was the keynote speaker. In 2003 Duck’s Unlimited dedicated 2000 acres of the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge in John T. O’Brien’s honor.
John T. O’Brien was a generous man who had a vision and passion for life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He survived by his beloved wife Betty (Hawkins) O’Brien, son Gregory (Karen) O’Brien, sister Donna Morrow all of Batavia; three grandchildren, Steven, Alex and Zachary O’Brien, along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday March 16, 2018 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A 9:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday March 17, 2018 at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. John will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee County Ducks Unlimited, P.O. Box 574, Batavia, New York 14021.For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.
