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John O'Brien Obituary
Retired Lowell High School Master
1940 - 2014
CHELMSFORD -- John F. "Jack" O'Brien, 74, a Chelmsford resident and former Lowell resident, died Friday November 21, 2014, following a period of declining health. He was the loving husband of Linda M (Pereira)(Desrosiers) O'Brien of Chelmsford to whom he was married for 17 years.
Born in Lowell on February 12, 1940, he was a son of the late William P. and Beatrice (Ready) O'Brien. Jack was a 1957 graduate of Lowell High School. He attended Salem State College earning a bachelor's degree in Education in 1961. Continuing his education at Salem State, he earned a master's degree in Education in 1967.
He began his career as a teacher at Fitchburg High School from 1961 until 1963. In 1964, he became a teacher at Lowell High School where he would remain and excel for the duration of his career. Jack became a Headmaster at LHS in 1967. In 1992, he was promoted to Master and remained so until his retirement in 1994. Post retirement, he became a staff representative for the United Teachers of Lowell where he currently held a position. Jack was a distinguished educator and his legacy will continue for many years to come.
In his spare time, Jack enjoyed biking, golf, hockey games, and walking his beloved dog, Obie.
In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his stepdaughter, Christine Desrosiers and her partner, Adrienne Johnstone of San Francisco, CA; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary and Michael Hubin of Boynton Beach, FL, Roberta and Ronald Martin of Chelmsford, Robert and Marie Pereira of Lowell, Lionel Bolduc of Lakeland, FL; several nieces and nephews, Mary Lou Bolduc and Ron, Linda Krkuc and Michael, Darlene Ballou and David, Robert Bolduc and Joanne, Kurt Knowlton and Cynthia, Dr. Jeffrey Martin and Cindy, Jaclyn Martin, Julie Gray and Jason, Ryan Pereira, Tony Pereira, Brandi Zeitz and Dan. He also will be missed by his beloved canine companion, Obie.
He was the brother of the late William F. O'Brien and Maureen C. Bolduc.
O'BRIEN -- Relatives and friends are invited to Jack's Memorial Life Celebration to be held on Monday November 24, 2014 from 4 until 8 PM in the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. Funeral Services will be private. For those who wish, donations in his name may be made to: The Cancer Center at Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854. For directions or condolences, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John O'Brien
Joe Horne
December 3, 2014
Rest in Peace Mr. O'Brien, you were an absolute class act. You genuinely cared about your students and made a difference. One of the last "good guys". ......Joe H. Class of 1970
November 28, 2014
To Linda, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved, Jack. He certainly was a great guy to work with in our Bus. Dept at LHS and an even greater Headmaster. Although we haven't seen either one of you, you are thought of often.
Chris & Chris Demetriou, Lowell, MA & Marco Island FL
Peter Volonino
November 27, 2014
To the O'Brien Family,
My condolences on the loss of Jack.
I graduated from LHS in 1975 and I also volunteered at St. Michael's bingo with him. He was a role model and taught me the importance of giving back and helping others. RIP.
Another Friend of Jack!
November 25, 2014
When I think of the third floor, Sophomore Floormasters' office on the canal side of LHS in the early 70's,it bring a chuckle and fond memories of Jack and LHS! I was a student when Jack student taught and a teacher at LHS when Jack was appointed Floormaster! Jack, May you Rest in Peace!
Jeff Bilby
November 25, 2014
RIP Jack O'Brien, my floor master at LHS back in the 1970's as a 10th grader to most recently my UTL rep for the Lowell schools, always willing to listen and help, warm, smiling a real gentleman, you will be missed. To all his family and friends my sympathy, such a loss to our community but many great memories.
November 25, 2014
THANKS JACK
Donna Janas
November 24, 2014
Jack was a kind, funny and dedicated man. I am so happy to have known him. I saw him while he was in Palm Manor while visiting my mother. Jack yelled to me after he heard my voice in the hall! He recognized my voice after 40 years...that's the kind of man he was. Thank you for everything, Jack. We'll never forget you. Donna M. Janas, class of 1975
Cathy Gagniere
November 24, 2014
To the O'Brien family. Mr. O'Brien was the best. Everybody loved him.
Cathy Gagniere class of 1972
j kukulski
November 24, 2014
so sorry for your loss jack was a wonderful man he will be missed
Tina Peaslee
November 24, 2014
Rest in Peace
November 23, 2014
I started at LHS when Jack did. I am still teaching at 83. I have yet to meet an administrator or teacher who comes close to Jack. He was fair to both students and teachers. He preferred to help them rather than punish them Because of my age I do not drive after dark. I will be unable to attend the services but will offer my prayers for Jack at this time. Frank Logiudice
John F. Laderoute, Esquire
November 23, 2014
Mr. O'Brien was a compassionate human being. He truly loved his students despite his disciplinary role. He had a great sense of humor and was always willing to help his students find solutions to their problems. He will certainly be missed. Thank you Mr. O'Brien for being there for me and may God keep you in his love.
November 23, 2014
Linda,
He was the absolute greatest. I feel lucky to have known him. Such a pleasure to work with at LHS.
Kiki Theokas
Lynne Barsorian Lipinsky
November 23, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. O'Brien, was a great person and mentor. I was happy to know and work with him as a student as a the class of 1978. I have many fond memories of his kindness and great sense of humor. He was one of the great ones and will be truly missed , by many of us he influenced. - Lynne Barsorian Lipinsky
Caroline Yunta
November 23, 2014
Jack was a guiding light to me in my first years as a teacher at LHS - supportive and full of good advice with a touch of humor thrown in. He will be greatly missed.
November 23, 2014
Linda Obrien and family So sorry to read the passing of Jack a great man has passed on. If only we could relive our times at st. michaels again Jack/Pam Callahan Port Charlotte fl
Jerry + Louise Mousseau
November 23, 2014
To the O'Brien Families, our condolences.
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