The foodservice industry is mourning the loss of two long-time and accomplished members: James O’Brien Jr. of GCS Service and Jim Bassett of Link2Hospitality Solutions.

The 72-year old O’Brien passed away on January 25, 2023, at his home in Berwyn, Pa. O’Brien’s foodservice career included sales roles with Maryland Cup and Edward Don & Company. He entered the equipment service side of the business when he joined GCS Service in 1985 where O’Brien eventually worked his way up to executive vice president and partner.

O’Brien is survived by his wife, Connie; children Heather O’Brien Burns and Colin O’Brien; and five grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the J Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Fund.

Bassett passed away September 17, 2022. He was 84 years old. The Cleveland native moved to Pittsburgh where he started James P. Basset Associates in 1972.