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Edward O'Brien Obituary

Edward M. O'Brien, Sr. 1923 - 2011 SPRINGFIELD - Edward M. O'Brien, Sr., 87, of Springfield came to rest peacefully in his garden chair under his pear tree, on June 4th where he lived independently. He was born in Feeding Hills on June 27, 1923 to the late John J. and Margaret (Miessner) O'Brien and is predeceased by four siblings, Walter, John, Harold, and Margaret Walsh and survived by his brother William O'Brien. After graduating from Technical High School, Ed served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was the recipient of the Bronze Star in the European Theatre. Edward is predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Josephine (Bertilli) O'Brien and a son, James Patrick O'Brien. He leaves a son, Edward M. O'Brien Jr. of Montgomery, MA and a daughter, Joan M. O'Brien of Bloomfield, Connecticut. Edward, in his earlier years, was a star soft ball pitcher for many teams including Ma Manning's, which claimed the state championships for five years. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service and then enjoyed a wonderful thirty years pursuing all his favorite pastimes. Ed remained athletic throughout his life and cross country skied every winter up until age 85. He loved to fish and was out boating with his children this past Memorial Day. His true passion was organic gardening; he would start his plants from seed in his greenhouse and grow fruit trees. He practiced piano daily and had a sharp mind enjoying the morning newspaper Cryptoquip. The family would like to thank the many friends and fine neighbors who looked in on Ed and enjoyed his wit and spirit and passed some of the day at Ed's Market Garden. Services will be held at the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, 9:00 AM Friday, June 10, 2011. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity or relief fund of choice. To express online condolences, visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

Published by The Republican on Jun. 9, 2011.
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Joan, please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your father.

Greg Swanson

June 10, 2011

Dear Joan and Eddy, so sorry for the lost of great person. i truly will miss planting and listening to all his storys he made me laugh often. when i purchase my home near his i saw those chickens and of coarse marrio the rooster i new i bought in the right nieborhood lol. he will be missed. thoughts with u both shon, and the shepards

June 9, 2011

Dear Joan, Seems like I was just writing you a sympathy card and here you are again. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Barb LeVine

June 9, 2011

Joan and Ed, Im very sorry for the loss of your dad. Find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with your mom and James.

Gary Cooke

June 9, 2011

Dear Ed & family, our hearts & prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Keep the faith, its been a rough past couple of years but you will make it. YOur dad is now kayaking & fishing with your brother. Take care.

Dan & Lauire Flechsig

June 9, 2011

God Bless Mr. O’Brien & His Fine Family, Both Surviving & Dearly Departed.

Tom Lonergan

June 9, 2011

Dear Ed and Sue: Thinking of both of you at this time. God Bless your Dad and may peace be with you. I hope you have some of his fruit trees to preserve his memory.

Anne Bray

June 9, 2011

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Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services - Springfield

15 Ludlow Avenue, Springfield, MA 01151

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