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Donald O'Brien Obituary
June 26, 1934 - May 20, 2011
Donald died May 20, 2011 after struggling for several years with Waldenstrom's Disease, a rare blood cancer. There is no memorial scheduled at this time.
Don was the son of Olive and Clarence O'Brien, Watertown, and later the stepson of Gertrude O'Brien, Rangeley, Maine. He was predeceased by his only brother, David. Survivors include his wife, Jolene Eveleth O'Brien, daughter Janet Johnston (Michael), grandchildren Leah and Will of Southborough, Mass., stepson Brenton Eveleth of Bar Harbor, Maine, many cousins, nephews, his stepmother and sister-in-law.
Don was born in Cambridge, Mass. and went through school in Watertown. He joined the Navy and served four years during the Korean Conflict. He worked at MIT and the Mitre Corp. before going to work and retiring from the Gillette Company in Boston as Founder and Director of their Employee Assistance Program. He also helped several other companies in implementing their employee assistance programs. After retiring he built his dream home on the Atlantic Ocean in Maine where he met his wife before coming to Florida. Don had a special bond with nature, the peacefulness of the woods and its wildlife. He died quietly at home with his wife, his constant companion Daisy Schnoodle and two cats who will all miss his smile and wit immensely.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Road, Englewood, FL 34224.
To send condolences visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald O'Brien
Pat Rae
May 16, 2020
I saw Don every day when I worked in Gillette Medical. He was a sweetheart and was always happy and so congenial to everyone. I keep him in my prayers always.
Mary Bain
May 16, 2020
Don had a special way about him. Always smiling, and happy to help when anyone was in need. God bless Don and I still miss him and this is many years since I left Gillette.
shawn sheehan
June 9, 2011
I am very sorry to hear of Don's death. Don was the inspiration for my becoming an alcoholism counselor in 1977 until now. He gave me much needed support & encouragement & I am forever indebted to him. If I have helped anyone over the years, they can thank Don.
Kathy Gleason
May 27, 2011
My condolences. You wrote a wonderful tribute.
susan fitzgerald sutter
May 26, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss. Although I never met Janet's Dad Don, he surely was a wonderful person to have brought up Janet to be such a lovely, caring intelligent person. Daniel and I send deepest sympathy to you Janet, Michael and LEAH and Will.
May 25, 2011
There is nothing like the love of a father...and nothing like the pain of losing him. Our love and sympathies to you Janet, Michael, Leah and Will. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eileen, Bob and Grace
May 25, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to you Janet and to your family. You were blessed to have had such a wonderful relationship with your family and to have enjoyed a wonderful man. I know your love and respect must have meant more to him than anything else. May you enjoy his memory for ever more.
Johnston Family, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Mary Bain
May 23, 2011
May God be with you in your time of sorrow. Don was one of my favorite people, he always had a smile for everyone. May he rest in peace.
Mary Lou Bain
Phil O'Brien
May 23, 2011
Don took me to my first meeting in Boston in 1976 and started a way of life that I am forever grateful.
I have not seen Don since he moved to Maine many years ago. Ironically I now live in Venice, Fl.
Don you have been in my thoughts for all these years.I am sure you are with God and your family should be quite proud.
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