Wilbur T. O'Brien Jr.

Wilbur T. O’Brien Jr., 91, of Meriden, died Sunday, May 21, 2017, at Masonicare Health Center after a short illness. Affectionately known as “Poppy” to family and friends, he was the beloved husband of the late Ann (Rizza) O’Brien.He was born July 12, 1925, a son of the late Wilbur and Ann (Esbaner) O’Brien. He served in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry as a Staff Sargent, stationed in Germany during World War II. In retirement when he wasn’t in his garden, he could be seen taking his daily walk with his dog Hans in the woods at Hubbard Park. He was also a great sports enthusiast, and followed the Platt H.S. Football program for over 40 years and he would never miss watching or listening to the UCONN girls basketball gamesHe is survived by his children, James O’Brien and his wife Brenda of Wallingford, and Ann Marie (O’Brien) Curtis and her husband Raymond Zanetti of Plainville; his grandchildren, Christopher O’Brien and Gabby Arigoni; his great grandchildren, Alex, Jessie, Billy, Sophie, and Maggie O’Brien; his brothers, John O’Brien and his wife Carmelita of Middletown, and Thomas O’Brien of Meriden; his sister, Dorothy (O’Brien) Koncki and her husband Tony of Meriden; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a grandson, James O’Brien of Wallingford; and two brothers and four sisters.A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Boniface Cemetery, Old Colony Rd., Meriden.