Ralph K. O'Brien

MADISON - Ralph K. O'Brien, age 85, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a brief illness. Ralph was born Dec. 30, 1927, the son of Arthur and Eula O'Brien. He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1944. He then went on to serve two years in the U.S. Navy serving in Japan. Ralph married Joanne G. Geier and they had three children, Cheryl Gray, Patrick O'Brien and Nikki O'Brien; six grandchildren, Michael (Julie) Gray, Jenifer (Nick) Gray, Sara (David) Gray, Joseph (Tracy) Gray, Cody O'Brien and Daniel O'Brien; three great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Joseph and Haley Jane; and his special friend, Vinci DiSalvo. Ralph served 33 years on the Madison Fire Department and after retiring he was acting Chief at the Town of Madison Fire Department. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; daughter, Cheryl; and great-granddaughter, Zoey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Ralph was a very respected man and a wonderful father, we will miss you dad and love you so much. Be at peace dad.