Richard Charles 'Dick' Power-O'Brien

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Power-O'Brien, Richard "Dick" Charles Formerly of New Hope, Minnesota, Richard (Dick) Charles Power- O'Brien was born on June 7, 1936, and died on August 20, 2023, at the age of 87. Dick was born on the family farm in Murray Township, Murray County, Minnesota. He attended his first six years of school in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1954. As a youth, Dick worked on the family farm and enjoyed riding horses and fishing with his siblings. As a teen, Dick joined the Young People's Sodality through the Catholic Church in Currie, Minnesota, and he honed his exceptional dancing skills by spending many nights at the local Valhalla ballroom. Dick spent two summers working for Hislop Plumbing, in Fulda, Minnesota, and it was there that he developed an interest in plumbing. He went on to attend Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he graduated with the class of 1961 in the HVAC and Plumbing Design Program. On October 6, 1962, Dick married Patricia (Pidge) Jean Finnegan, and together they had four children: Shannon, Richard Jr., Patrick, and Erin. They raised their children in New Hope, Minnesota, and remained married until Pidge's death on September 6, 1991, at the age of 50. On July 17, 1993, Dick married Kathryn (Kathie) Ruth Power. They lived in New Hope until 2020 when they moved to Glendale, Wisconsin, to be closer to Kathie's family. Dick had a long and rewarding career in the Trades. He joined the Plumbers Local 15 after graduating from Dunwoody Institute and he remained a proud member for 50 plus years. Early in his career, he became the lead superintendent for Buchman Plumbing and eventually joined Horwitz, Inc., in New Hope, Minnesota. He maintained his Master's plumber's license. Dick spent most of his career working at Horwitz Inc., he was a designer, estimator and a project manager, running many successful projects for nursing homes, office buildings, and manufacturing plants. Dick eventually became a partner before retiring from Horwitz, from there he went on to become a co-founder of Value Mechanical in 1997. Dick was a partner and project manager at Value Mechanical until his retirement in 2001. In addition to Dick's love of family and his dedication to work, he enjoyed playing pool, softball, and golf, as well as watching softball and women's college basketball. Dick spent time volunteering at Prism Food Shelf in Golden Valley, and was a member of the church community at St Joseph's in New Hope and St Joan of Arc in Minneapolis. Dick enjoyed many travels throughout his life and he visited numerous countries and continents over the years. Dick had a special affinity for the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. Dick spent 84 years in Minnesota, 60 of which were in New Hope, and he spent his last three years in Glendale, Wisconsin. He leaves behind his wife Kathryn; children Shannon (Amanda Wilson Brazeal), Richard Jr., Patrick (Kindra Jordan), and Erin Hinzman (Ben); grandchildren Kyle, Kaylyne, Samson, and Simone; great-grandchild Dominic; siblings Patricia Dold (Romane) and Steven (Darla Krull); and numerous extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary (Burns); siblings Kathleen, Francis, and Gary; and his first wife Patricia (Finnegan). After Dick's, passing the family welcomed Kiara the newest great-granddaughter. Sadly, six months after Dick's passing his eldest daughter Shannon passed away. A graveside memorial service will be held on May 30, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Gethsemane Cemetery 8151 42nd Avenue, New Hope, MN. 55427. Directly thereafter, a celebration of life will be held at "Pub 42" 7600 42nd Avenue, New Hope, MN 5527. Dick lived a full and happy life; he was blessed with a loving family and life-long friendships. Dick had a kind heart and a gentle soul, his infectious smile, great warmth, and deep character made him the person that will never be forgotten.

Published on May 26, 2024