Gerard F. O’Brien

Gerard “John” Francis O’Brien, 91, of Charles Town, West Virginia died Friday, July 21, 2023 at his home.

Mr. O’Brien was born Dec. 20, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late William Danforth O’Brien and Celia M. Gassinger Holland.

He was a history professor for 32 years at the University of Connecticut. He was a part-time journalist and esthete gathering one of the most distinguished old master drawings collection of the second half of the 20th century.

He served in the U. S. Army.

He married Sylvie Marie Grange on May 22, 1993 in New Haven, Connecticut.

Surviving with his wife are three sons, Leonard Van de Graaff of Baltimore, MD, Raphael Van de Graaff of Little Silver, NJ, and Adrian Van de Graaff of Morristown, NJ; daughters-in-law, Luciana Ramos Lavorato, Shawna Kenneally Van de Graaff, and Liv Baker Van de Graaff; four grandchildren, Tuira Van de Graaff, Ella Van de Graaff, Max Van de Graaff, and Nathaniel Van de Graaff; and three half-brothers, James Clarence Holland of Shepherdstown, WV, Nicholas Anderson Holland of Annapolis, MD and Charles Thillman Holland of Lewes, DE.

A brother, William O’Brien and a sister, Charlotte T. Holland, preceded him in death.

A graveside service was held 10 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023 at Holy Cross Abbey Pavilion Chapel, Berryville, VA with Father Timothy J. Grassi officiating. Burial followed in Cool Spring Natural Cemetery, Berryville, VA.

Arrangements are being handled by Enders & Shirley Funeral Home, Berryville.

To view the obituary and send condolences online, please visit www.endersandshirley.com.