Kevin O'Brien, OFM

1897 – 1966

Br. Kevin O’Brien, OFM, was born Oct. 8, 1897 in Braid, Ireland. He was received as a tertiary brother at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1922. One year earlier, his brother, Fr. Isidore O’Brien, OFM, had entered the novitiate in Paterson. Br. Kevin was received into the Order in 1924 and professed temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1928.

He served as a cook at various ministries, including St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., St. Francis Friary, New York City, St. Bonaventure Friary, Holy Cross Parish, Bronx, N.Y., and St. Francis Friary, Brookline, Mass. Br. Kevin also worked as a gardener and porter in Allegany, N.Y. For 12 years, he served as cook for the Academy of Franciscan History in Bethesda, Md.

He died on April 7, 1966 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. Br. Kevin was 68 years old, a professed friar for 40 years.