Rev. Donald W. O'Brien

Rev. Donald W. O'Brien, OMI Missionary Oblate Priest for 43 years Hollywood, FL Rev. Donald W. O'Brien, OMI, 71, died unexpectedly while on vacation in Hollywood, Florida on Monday, May 26, 2008. Born in Lynn, MA on May 31, 1936, he was the son of the late John E. and Sarah (Brophy) O'Brien. He was educated in Lynn prior to attending Boston College from 1954-56. In 1957, Fr. O'Brien entered the Missionary Oblates' Novitiate in Tewksbury, MA and made his first vows on September 8, 1958. On September 8, 1961 he professed his perpetual vows. He was ordained to the priesthood in Washington, D.C. on May 31, 1965 by Bishop Francis McSorley, OMI. Fr. O'Brien's first Oblate assignment was to Japan where he was a Missionary for two years. He returned to the United States in 1967 and was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Lowell, MA. In 1974 he went to Florida where he spent the next 15 years. He ministered at St. Stephen's in Miramar, FL until 1978. Following that, he was in the Diocese of Palm Beach where he served at Cardinal Newman High School then St. Edward's Parish. His last assignment in Florida was at St. George's in Ft. Lauderdale. In 1989, he returned to Sacred Heart Parish in Lowell for 5 years, followed by an assignment to Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell where he ministered until 2000. He then resided at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury until his death. He is survived by a sister, Geraldine Pelletier of Lynn, MA. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by a sister, Mary, in 1988, a brother, Robert, in 1992 and a brother, John in 2007. O'BRIEN All services and calling hours will be in the Chapel at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury MA. Calling hours will be on Thursday, June 5, 2008 from 2 until 4 and from 7 until 9 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:30 P.M. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, June 6, 2008. Burial will take place in the Oblate plot on the grounds of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence. As an expression of Sympathy, donations in memory of Fr. O'Brien may be made to the Oblate Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876-2849. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL. FUNERAL DIRECTORS EDWARD I. McCABE & SON, 978-459-9222.