Dennis O’Brien

Whether in a civic role (as Mayor from 2008 – 2014 and Borough Council Member from 2021-2024), in a service club role (as a member of the Knights of Pythias for 25 years, Newtown Library Board for 18 years, and Newtown Rotary for 15 years), or in his role as a wedding officiant (over 2,500 weddings performed and counting), he has effectively brought people together in ways that improved individual lives and communities.  

The Friends Village Community Builder Award is not the first accolade accorded to O’Brien. He received the Newtown Business Association Humanitarian Award in 2014 and the Newtown Borough Good Samaritan Award in 2020.  

Born in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia in 1946, O’Brien graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School, LaSalle University, and Temple University (M.Ed.). He taught English at Neshaminy High School for over 30 years, and at Bucks County Community College for five years and Rider University for three years. He played soccer in high school and college and coached for many years, earning Courier Times Soccer Coach of the Year recognition in 1986.  

O’Brien moved to Newtown Borough in 1972. Over the years, he has avidly pursued many varied interests, including folk music (Philly Folk Fest attendee for 52 years, Bucks County Folksong Society President 1971-73) to singing (singer and musician, Boys of County Bucks 15 yrs.) and acting (one television show, one movie, and four stage productions).