Roger Joseph O'Brien

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, surrounded by his family, Roger Joseph O’Brien died from complications of lung cancer in Billings, at the age of 70.

Roger Joseph, who used his middle and patron saint name most of his life, was born to Joseph Albert O’Brien and Betty Jane Rogers in Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 11, 1953. He spent his formative years in Palmdale, California. Just before shipping off to the Navy in 1972, Joseph met the lady who would be his lifelong partner: Lynda Ann DeLonga. Mail delivery was far from consistent aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, but when it did come to the “Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club,” there were enough letters from his young love that she had to number them. Reunited once more, Roger Joseph and Lynda Ann were married at the episcopal church in Lancaster, California, on July 23, 1973. In July 2023, they celebrated 50 years of marriage with a European tour. Their marriage blessed them with four sons: Matthew (Martha), David (Melanie), Daniel and Paul (Wendee).

A passionate man, his love of faith, family and adventure saw Joseph wearing many hats and moving across our nation. Initially, he supported his family by designing and building stained glass windows. These windows are showcased in both residences and churches throughout southern California. Having worked in water and waste water treatment in both the private and public sectors, Joseph decided to return to school. Three years later, he would graduate summa cum laude from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania, with a Master of Divinity.

After three years as an Orthodox priest at St. Paul Orthodox Church (Orthodox Church in America) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the family relocated to Billings, where Joseph served as rector of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Following his first retirement from that position, he worked as general manager for the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, in sales for Western Office Equipment, and finally as bus driver for TenderNest, all in Billings.

Joseph loved having four boys. When they were young, there was camping, fishing, wrestling and evenings spent listening to him read classic literature. A classic education was something Joseph valued and so the boys were homeschooled for many years. This and the car trips across the country meant for an especially tight family bond. Joseph loved reading, was generally reading a couple of books and eagerly awaiting several more in the mail. Joseph was an inquisitive and compassionate person, interested in the world and people around him. He was a talented artist who over the years worked in the mediums of wood, stained glass and photography. In retirement, he especially enjoyed his time spent with Rimrock Plastic Modelers, who awarded his work.

Joseph is preceded in death by his father and brother-in-law David Peairs, but is survived by many more, including his mother, wife, sons, five grandchildren, sister Patrice Peairs, nephews, a niece and godchildren.

A Panikhida will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 20, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Billings. Divine Liturgy will be held at 9 a.m. and a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at St. Nicholas. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, in Holy Cross Cemetery, Billings.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tumbleweed Runaway Program in Billings or the Billings VA Clinic.