Earl O'Brien, 89, passed away peacefully at Manor Care Center, June 8, 2009. Born in Philadelphia, he lived his entire life in Paulsboro and Gibbstown and was a 1937 graduate of Paulsboro High School. In 1989 Earl lost his loving wife Florence "Flossie" (nee Croce), after 41 years of marriage. While he was in good health he visited her grave every day.

He is survived by his sister Judy Lee Mills, Paulsboro, his niece Nancy Jean Zane, his inlaws Anna (Croce) Montemore, Blase (Bill) and Joan Croce, all of Gibbstown, John and Theresa (Croce) Raymond, New Smyrna Beach Fla., Dora (Rastelli) Croce of Madison Tenn., and many nieces and nephews of the Croce family. Predeceased by brother-in-law Alex Croce.

He was a WWII Navy Veteran and was aboard the USS Ranford, in Pearl Harbor, when the Japanese attacked in 1941. The ship managed to escape the Harbor without damage and he was honorably discharged in 1947. Earl was employed by Mobil Oil Corporation, retired in 1979 after 33 years of faithful service.

Earl collaborated with his handy brothers-in-law to build five houses in Gibbstown, one in Paulsboro and assisted the Raymond's in remodeling their former home in Haddonfield. He also logged many hours and miles cutting grass at the "The Farm" with brother-in-law Bill.

A viewing will be Thursday 9:30-10:30am at the Landolfi Funeral Home of Paulsboro, 300 W. Broad St., followed by services at 10:30am. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. To share condolences please visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com