Harry O'Brien Remembered at Council Meeting

Harry Peter O'Brien, a faithful attendee of Redondo Beach City Council meetings and an active member of the local Knights of Columbus chapter, passed away March 6. He was 80.

According to an obituary posted on Legacy.com, O'Brien was the youngest child of Hugh and Hazel O'Brien, born Feb. 23, 1933 in New York City. He moved to the South Bay in 1942 and attended Redondo High School.

He held a job as a lifeguard and served in the U.S. Army in Alaska. He also spent 35 years with American Airlines.

O'Brien is survived by his brother Hugh O'Brien, seven nieces and nephews, and 17 great-nieces and nephews. The Redondo Beach City Council adjourned their regular meeting his honor Tuesday night.

"He used to sit right on the corner back there," said Mayor Mike Gin. "Came to all of our meetings and just sat back there, offered a comment or two once in awhile … There's an empty chair back there now."

A funeral mass is scheduled at St. James Catholic Church, located at 415 Vincent St. in South Redondo Beach, for 1 p.m. Saturday. The mass will be preceded by a Rosary at 12:30 p.m.

• Full story: Harry O'Brien Obituary [Legacy.com]