Julius A. "Butch" O'Brien

Julius A. “Butch” O’Brien, 75, of Route 353, Little Valley, NY died Thursday, February 23, 2017 following an illness.

Born September 8, 1941 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Ellsworth and Genevieve Von Rhode O’Brien. He was married to the former Carol Warner, who predeceased him in 2003.

He attended Salamanca High School.

Mr. O’Brien was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Germany.

He had been employed with the NYS Parks & Recreation in Allegany State Park as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for over 25 years.

He was a member of the Resurrection Life Church. He was an avid bluegrass and country musician, performing in many local club bands and volunteering to play in local nursing homes. He collected and restored antique cars and refurbished antique furniture as well as musical instruments. Mr. O’Brien was a member of the American Legion Post 531 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8734, both in Little Valley, NY.

Surviving are: a son, Sean (Kelly) O’Brien, Manchester, PA; two granddaughters, Katelyn O’Brien, Olean, NY, and Jessie O’Brien, Gettysburg, PA; a grandson, Matthew O’Brien, Manchester, PA; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Helen Rhinehardt, Gowanda, NY.

He was predeceased by an infant daughter and son and a sister, Mary Anne Kamholtz-Graves.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY, on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Cliff Waugh officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Post 531 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8734.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.