Clement O'Brien Jr.

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Northeastern University

Clement O'Brien Obituary

Clement G. O'Brien Jr.

NORTH FT. MYERS, FL - On May 1, 2015, the fifty second anniversary of marriage to his "Joanie", Clement G "Clem" O'Brien Jr. peacefully passed away with family by his side at Shell Point Hospice after a brief illness. Born in 1942 in Lewiston, Maine, Clem was the first of seven children born to Clement G. Sr. and Joan H (Uniac) O'Brien. A man of many interests and accomplishments, Clem earned degrees in engineering from Wentworth Institute, and in Liberal Arts from and MBA from Northeastern University. He enjoyed a successful and satisfying professional career in senior management positions in both large corporations and start-ups. He was a skilled craftsman and mechanic and enjoyed nothing more than a challenging project. However his greatest love was boating and being on the water anywhere in the world. Fortunately, he and Joan were able to share many seafaring adventures over the years which provide his family with a wonderful trove of stories and memories.

Family was everything to Clem, and he was blessed with three lovely daughters, their husbands who truly became his sons, and seven beautiful grandchildren, all of whom were an unending source of pride and joy. He instilled in them his trademark unswerving devotion to family, unyielding personal integrity, and unconditional love. They remain his legacy.

Clem is survived and will be forever missed by his cherished wife, Joan (Barrett), beloved daughters Lynn (Paul) Kurker of Reading MA, Susan (Billy) Dupre of Northboro, MA, Erin (Rob) Giese of Grafton, MA, treasured grandchildren Sam, Harry and Lily Kurker, Ben and Hannah Dupre, and Maddy and Jack Giese.

His much-loved surviving siblings include Robert "Bob" and Michael (Mary) O'Brien, Maureen (Ernie) Demsey, Gail (Gene) Demsey, Ann (Bruce) Seaman, and their children and grandchildren who brought him so much joy. And his wonderful extended family includes dear aunt Lois O'Brien, sisters-in-law Jean Holland and Carol (Stan) Lea, brother-in-law John "Tex" Kidd (Maureen), beloved friends too numerous to mention, and his constant canine companion Daisy.

Besides his parents, Clem was predeceased by cherished younger sister Maryjoan (Tex) Kidd and brother-in-law Joe Holland.

The family would like to thank the staff at Shell Point Hospice for the comfort and support extended to Clem and all his family at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice at Shell Point in recognition of the outstanding care they provide at Hope Hospice at Shell Point: 15071 Shell Point Boulevard, Fort Myers FL 33908.

The wake will be held on Thursday May 21, 2015, at St. Rose of Lima, 12, Park St., Topsfield, MA 01983 from 4 until 7pm with the Funeral on Friday, May 22, at St. Rose of Lima at 9:00 am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from May 16 to May 17, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Clement O'Brien

2 Entries

Tony DiCenzo

December 19, 2020

I am saddened to learn about the passing of my former manager and friend, Clem O'Brien. It was a few years ago, but Clem was a very special person in my life so I want to say a few words.

Clem became my manager at DEC in the late 80s. I was working in the international division and suddenly he was named to manager the industry marketing group, a group of about 10 ecxtremely senior marketing people. We knew nothing about him. It was a time of great anxiety in the company because of layoffs and bad financial performance. Clem made several changes to the group, laying off a few people. But after a few months it was clear he was looking out for us. Our relationship instantly changed from someone we held at arms length to friend and advisor.

AFter a few years, Clem was moved into the senior ranks of the company, reporting to the VP for corporate operations. He called me one day to ask if I could do him a favor. The board of directors has just let the beloved CEO go, and was elevating a VP, Bob Palmer, to be CEO. The company was hiring 7 new divisional VPs and they needed someone to oversee the process to negotiate their responsibilitites. He suggested they bring me in to do that because I knew how to run a process and had no iron in the fire. When it was over I was going to go work for CLem in the office of the President. So I left my job in international marketing to do this special task for Clem. It was successful. 30 days later the company announced the 7 new VPs and I once again went to work for Clem. We had an exciting few years working at the highest level. Our friendshio flourished.

I spoke with Clem a few times after we both left the company. He loved his tuig boat. More of a ship than a boat.

Good memories of a man I was honored to call a friend.