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BORN
1932
DIED
2022
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FRANCIS O'BRIEN Obituary
View the online memorial for Francis C. Jr. O'BRIEN
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Memories and Condolences
for FRANCIS O'BRIEN
Rick DeAngelis
August 16, 2025
The wonderful obituary of Fran O’Brien reminds us all what an exceptional human being ; what an accomplished and successful Coach & Mentor; and what an outstanding family man Fran was and continues to be because he lives on in the hearts and consciousness of all those many, many people whose lives Fran touched
I am blessed to have been touched by Fran’s genuine and deep knowledge and compassion
Rest In Peace Coach
Rick DeAngelis
Holy Cross 1970
Dan Doyle
November 16, 2022
Master Coach. Splendid life. It was an honor to know Fran O´Brien. My condolences to Kevin and other members of Fran´s wonderful family. Dan Doyle
Harvey Shapiro
October 21, 2022
Dear Kevin and O´Brien Family, I was saddened to hear the news of Fran´s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of playing against your dad´s teams at MIT, Holy Cross and Harwich. I had the utmost respect for him as a teacher, coach and a person. Fran exemplified what a quality coach and person should be.
Harvey Shapiro
College Baseball Coach
Cape League Coach
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Robert Marcialis
October 14, 2022
Dear Kevin and Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Coach O.B. I share in your sadness.
I played baseball for Coach for two years in the mid-1970s. He taught me many things in that time, and I am forever in his debt. He taught me how to bunt. It's a lost art in today's game, and I've passed this knowledge on to many kids over the past decades.
More important were the one-on-one personal lessons he imparted. One from the top of the list: In my second year at MIT, I was victim of a severe case of "sophomoritis". My grades were plummmeting. I was trying to subsist on 3 hours of sleep a night. Life was miserable. Coach took me aside, knowing full well I had academic problems. He gently advised me to leave the team so that I could get my grades back up. My initial reaction was shock, but I took his advice. Looking back, I can say that if your dad had not intervened, I likely would have dropped out of MIT. One example of his integrity, honesty, and commitment to MIT sports and his athletes. Coach really cared for us. I am forever in his debt.
Again, my condolences on the loss of a great man. Rest in peace, Coach.
Bob Marcialis, Ph.D. MIT '78
NCAA umpire
Rick DeAngelis
October 14, 2022
Coach O´Brien is THE STANDARD by which Coaches and Mentors are measured
A GREAT MAN
Rick DeAngelis
HC 1970 & A FRIEND
Dr. Richard Van Etten, MIT '78
October 14, 2022
I played college basketball for Coach O'Brien for 4 years at MIT (1974-78; team captain '78). I learned more from him that use in my career and life every day than from any of my science professors: the importance of hard work, dedication, and team. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Esther h
October 13, 2022
Rest in peace
Roy Nickerson
October 13, 2022
No wonder his favorite expression was "Love you more."
Lianne Moore
October 13, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful Uncle, and a Beautiful Human being. I will remember you forever Uncle Chubby. Love Lianne
Steven Goldstein
October 12, 2022
Coach was an outstanding coach and a wonderful human. I used the skills I learned from him every day in my job as I managed the attorneys in my firm. Coach was a blessing to all of his student-athletes and to the MIT baseball program. He will be missed.
Tim Sullivan
October 12, 2022
Some of the upperclassmen called him "The Silver Fox". We engineers were probably the reason for the early white crown on #16. He was always so much more than a baseball coach to us, to me. It has been a wonder and a joy to call him friend. The years passed too swiftly going separate paths with few crossings. But I look forward to seeing Fran again on the eternal field in Heaven, where his eyes will sparkle all the more while reflecting the undimmed glory of Jesus. Meanwhile, we must wait and grieve. To Kevin and the girls I send all sympathy and many prayers for your comfort, along with apologies for stealing time with your father from you. God bless you. -- Turtle, #19
Alfred Fordiani
October 12, 2022
Coach, you were a great man. Full of love and passion and everything good and right. Thank you so much for the incredible positive impact that you had on my life.
My deepest sympathies to Kevin and the whole family,
Al and Rita
jim conley
October 12, 2022
Dear O'brien Family, sorry to hear about your father/Grandfather's passing. He coached the 1966 Randolph Babe Ruth Allstar team to the Massachusetts State championship! He taught Us all so much about baseball and growing up as young 15-year-old boys. Thanks, we will never forget you Mr. O'brien/ Coach.. Jimmy Conley Randolph Mass.
Ivy Leverone
October 12, 2022
Dear Karen John and family,
I am sorry to hear of your Dad´s passing. He was a loving Dad and a role model to so many as a dedicated coach. I know how much you will miss him, you have been a wonderful, loving daughter.
Proud
Ed Maguire
October 12, 2022
My name is Ed Maguire and I was a menber of the 1962 Randolph state champs Mr O Brien was next to my mother the most positive influence on my life my thoughts are with him for ever
Jerrica Hassan
October 12, 2022
Francis O’Brien you will be missed terribly. I’ll miss stopping in to see you to tell you “hello” or “how is my handsome guy?” You are without a doubt an amazing man and have made so many accomplishments. You have left such an impression on everyone who has had the blessing of being in your life. You loved your sports, especially baseball !!!!!!!! The only thing you loved more than sports was your amazing family. You enjoyed daily visits from your children who loved you beyond words. Your legacy shall continue through your children and grandchildren for generations to come! To Karen , Kevin, and Cathy I extend my greatest condolences and I send all my love and support to you all and the extended family. May God be ever present in your lives right now and comfort you in this time of grievance. May your father rest in the sweetest peace.
John B. Douglass & John B. Douglass II
October 11, 2022
This book of memories is to serve as a record of the services you entrusted to us. We hope it will help to preserve treasured memories and that we, in some small measure, have helped to ease your burden and bring you comfort.
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Oct
14
Visitation
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Douglass Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home25 Sanborn Street, Reading, MA 01867
Funeral services provided by:
Douglass Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home25 Sanborn Street, Reading, MA 01867
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