Donald Robert O'Brien

O'BRIEN, Donald Robert 76, of Venice Florida, formerly of Watertown MA. and Maine, died on May 20, 2011. He had battled Waldenstrom's disease, a rare blood cancer, for several years. A memorial will be held in New England at the family's convenience. Don was the son of Olive and Clarence O'Brien, Watertown, and later the stepson of Gertrude OBrien, Rangeley, ME. He was preceded his only brother, David. Survivors include his wife, Jolene Eveleth O'Brien, Venice, FL, stepson Brenton Eveleth of Bar Harbor, Maine, daughter Janet Johnston (Michael), grandchildren Leah and Will Johnston, Southborough,MA,manycousins, nephews, his stepmother and sister-in-law. Don missed his high school graduation ceremony to join the Navy, serving overseas during the Korean War. He worked at MIT and Mitre Corporations before joining Gillette in Boston. He retired from the Gillette Company as the founder and Director of their Employee Assistance Program. He helped countless people reach sobriety with an amazing success-rate. Don became an avid runner and ran his first marathon when he was 40. He enjoyed motorcycles and landscape design. Don had a special bond with nature, the peacefulness of the woods and its wildlife. He built his dream home perched over the Atlantic in Addison, Maine where he met the love of his live, Jolene. They married in 1998. Don also loved ice cream and often gave directions based on local ice cream shops. He had a wonderful wit and sense of humor. He passed peacefully at his Florida home with his family and beloved pets nearby. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to the Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Road, Englewood, FL 34224.