John O'Brien, a career lawyer who served as both a city attorney and district attorney, died this week at age 78 from lung cancer complications.
O'Brien was born and raised in Hollister, leaving only to attend college and serve in the Army. He attended Santa Clara University, majoring in history. After graduation in 1952, he enrolled in the Army for two years, then attended law school at SCU. After a brief stint at the Attorney General's office in Sacramento, O'Brien and his wife Carol moved back to Hollister in 1958 and he ran successfully for the open district attorney position. He served as DA for eight years and in 1967, he became the city attorney for Hollister, a job he held until 1991. During his time in Hollister, he also held a private practice at Paxton O'Brien Law Group, LLP.
Much of his success in law drew from his ability to communicate with anyone, said O'Brien's longtime friend and law partner Frank Borelli.
"John has always been a very communicative person, very easy to talk to - anyone, either a president or a laborer," he said.
These skills were evident because he spent many years on both the prosecution and defense sides of the courtroom.
Another one of his best traits was his storytelling ability, Borelli said.
"It's wonderful to find a person who is intelligent and funny at the same time," said Borelli.
O'Brien was an avid skier and owned a house in Bear Valley. Much of his time was devoted to his keen interest in World War II. His daughter, Darcy Siegel, said he will be remembered by his colorful personality, his intelligence, his smart use of time and his sense of humor. Perhaps his best trait was his loyalty to his family and friends, she said. Borelli said he was the "most loyal man he has ever known and one of the best lawyers he has ever seen."
O'Brien is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol O'Brien; their four children, Terry Lewis of King City, Shawn O'Brien of Chico, Bart O'Brien of Upland, and Darcy Siegel of La Jolla; as well as his brother, Charles O'Brien of Hollister. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Hallie Lewis Hunt, Caitlin Lewis Soto, Siobhan O'Brien, Katherine O'Brien, Liam O'Brien, Oren Siegel, and Micah Siegel.
A memorial Mass will be held in John's honor at 11 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Church in Hollister.
Colin McConville Colin McConville is a reporter with the Hollister Free Lance. You can reach him by email or at (831) 637-5566.
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