Edward J. O’Brien III ’42

E.J. O’Brien, for many years prominent in the leaf-tobacco business, died Sept. 2, 2013, in Louisville, Ky.

E.J. was raised in Louisville and prepared for college at the Newman School in Lakewood, N.J. At Princeton he joined Ivy Club, majored in French, and was in ROTC. After graduation he was ordered to report for basic training in field artillery. After completion of this exercise, he was selected by the general commanding the 8th Armored Division to describe a role for tanks to be used as artillery in support of fire preparations. Accordingly, E.J. and other officers developed strategies and training manuals for this purpose.

Back in Louisville after the war, E.J. joined the family tobacco business. Much of this work required travel overseas, and it wasn’t until 1960 that he was able to accept the suggestion of Lucy Scott of Winston-Salem, N.C., that they marry.

In addition to serving as president of the Edward J. O’Brien Tobacco Co., E.J. was active in charitable organizations, especially the American Red Cross.

His wife predeceased him. He is survived by his children, Edward IV and Mary Scott Herrington, and three grandchildren. To them all, the class sends sympathy.