Warren Vincent O’brien

ESCONDIDO — Warren V. O’brien, loving husband, father, and grandfather (Grandpa Woe) passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021 due to complications from recently diagnosed esophageal cancer.

Warren was born in 1937 in Norwalk, Connecticut to Agnes and Haskell O’brien.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Roberta; his daughters, Tamara Fischer (Peter), Jennifer Zouvas, and Pamela Selna (Tim); his beloved grandchildren, Chelsea (Patrick), Warren, Carissa, Jane, Maxwell, Sophia, and Maria; his brother, Cubby O’brien (Holly); many brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, and one nephew. His miniature poodle, Teddy,

January 1937 - March 8, 2021 will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother, Haskell O’brien, Jr.

As a boy, Warren and his family moved from Connecticut and settled in Sunland, California. Warren graduated from Verdugo Hills High School and from Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He was a licensed Civil and Structural Engineer. He worked for 34 years for the City of Los Angeles, Department of Building and Safety. He began his career as a Junior Engineer and worked his way up to the position of General Manager

of the Department. Throughout his career he was involved with the Structural Engineers Association, served on code development committees, and assisted with the development of earthquake retrofitting standards. After his retirement from the City of Los Angeles, he worked for several years as a Licensed General Contractor in the San Fernando Valley. Warren served as a Platoon Sargent in the California National Guard.

Warren was married in 1961 to Roberta Anne Weaver. They raised their three girls in Northridge, California. Warren and Roberta moved to Escondido, California in 2003 to be closer to their children and their families. Warren lived life to the fullest. He and Roberta took their family camping, water-skiing, and snow skiing frequently with lots of friends and extended family. His grandchildren have many wonderful memories of time spent with their grandparents, Grandpa Woe and Grandma Roe. Warren was an avid golfer. He enjoyed his many golf buddies and always wanted to golf with the grandchildren. Warren had special relationships with his neighbors and friends and could often be found lending a hand with a project or problem that needed to be solved. Recently he enjoyed working in the garden and harvesting fruit from his many trees. He was known for his peach jam and lemon-squash bread.

Warren was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Northridge for many years and belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Escondido most recently. He enjoyed playing the drums as part of the Church music program and volunteered with the Bethlehem Walk at Christmas time.

A memorial service celebrating Warren’s life will be held when everyone can be together. Donations in Warren’s honor may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Escondido at 341 S Kalmia St, Escondido, CA 92025 or the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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