Richard Gael O'Brien

Richard Gael O’Brien, 83, of Casa Grande died on Sept. 8, 2015, after a fall at his home.

Mr. O’Brien was born on March 12, 1932, in American Falls, Idaho, and was a son of Harold and Mary O’Brien. He was an educator of math and science in high school and community college settings. He was a member of the founding faculty of Central Arizona College, coming to Casa Grande with his family in 1969.

After recovering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1992, he taught part-time at CAC and retired in 2000. During his retirement, he and Judy, his wife of 61 years, traveled through Western and Midwestern states in their RV, visiting relatives and childhood homes. In his later retirement, he delighted in visiting with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Gary of Tucson; two daughters, Jane Karolak of Casa Grande and Ruth Schlittenhart of Flagstaff; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Central Arizona College Foundation.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.