Hall of Fame
The Rev. John J. O’Brien, S.J.
The Priest At The End Of The Bench…
The Rev. John J. O’Brien, S.J., was completing graduate work in chemistry at Fordham University in 1947 when he received instructions from his superiors to leave for Syracuse to help start a new college. From that moment, his life became an integral part of the history of Le Moyne.
Born in 1909, Father O’Brien grew up in New York City. After graduating from St. Francis Xavier High School in 1927, he entered the Society of Jesus at St. Andrew-on-the-Hudson. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy at Woodstock College and his master’s degree in biology at Fordham University.
A man who taught many the importance of obedience, Father O’Brien required no less of himself. During World War II, he wanted to serve as a chaplain, but was assigned to teach chemistry at Regis High School. In 1945 the Society needed a chemist, so after working hard to learn biology, he began graduate studies in chemistry at Fordham University.
When he arrived in Syracuse one of his first jobs was to unpack crates or Army surplus supplies to equip Le Moyne’s first chemistry lab…in a carriage house.
Three decades of Le Moyne alumni recall Father O’Brien in a variety of roles. As a priest, his early morning masses began many days. As a teacher, he always had time to spend solving that elusive chemistry problem. As a friend, his counsel was always welcome.
Le Moyne’s athletes counted him as their special mentor for twenty years during which he served as a moderator of athletics. A quiet figure on the end of the bench at countless athletic contests, the weight of Father O’Brien’s spirit brought a special measure of joy to victory and removed despair from defeat: “J.J. was always there.”
Perhaps the most special attribute about Father O’Brien is his enduring quality of humanity. He is a rock which clearly has a soft center; a tower of strength which is not incapable of tears.
In a special tribute to a man so dear to many, Father O’Brien’s friends have created the Rev. John J. O’Brien, S.J., Athletic Scholarship Fund at Le Moyne College.
In recognition of the many quiet contributions which Father O’Brien has made to Le Moyne and in honor of his spirit which has become part of the Le Moyne athletic tradition, it is appropriate that he be installed as an honorary member of the
Le Moyne Athletic Hall of Fame
April, 16 1983
