Philip F. O'Brien

Philip F. O'Brien, 84

1936 - 2021

Andover - Philip F. O'Brien, age 84, of Andover, died at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 with his family by his side. He was the husband of Irene M. (Ingersoll) O'Brien, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born and raised in Lynn, Mass., he was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (Clancy) O'Brien. He was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, class of 1953. Philip and his wife raised their family in Saugus before moving together to Topsfield, and most recently retiring to Andover.

Philip served in the United States Army as an intelligence specialist for four years beginning in 1954. After receiving an honorable discharge, he spent 25 years managing Heck Allen's; an independent restaurant in Lynn where he was loved by locals and known by all. Philip went on to work as a supervisor at Spirit Foodservice to provide for his family while studying at the Lowell Technological Institute. Upon graduation, he took a position as a senior technician with a speciality skill in RF (radio frequency) for missile guidance at Raytheon until retirement. He was a member of the Eastern Rifle and Revolver Clubs in Lynn, as well as the Knights of Columbus. He loved cars and motorcycles, and raced motocross in the New England circuit. He liked to "tinker," and was an excellent chef and amateur tradesman. His family was the most important thing to him, and he will be remembered as a kind and hard-working man, husband and father with a loving spirit, a quick wit and great laugh.

In addition to his wife, Irene, he is survived by four children; Coleen O'Brien, Philip O'Brien and his wife Angela, Judith O'Brien and her husband Daniel Wall, and Thomas O'Brien and his wife Germana; 14 grandchildren; Lauren Russell and her husband Corey, Ayla and Megan Pitts, Stefan and Alessia O'Brien, Theron, Mia and Kelton Lin, Brody, Ronan, Liam and Finbar Wall, and Lucan and Eamon O'Brien; his siblings; Thomas O'Brien and his wife Marlene, Joan Kelley and her husband David; as well as 57 loving nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Mary "Maureen" Mahoney.

Service Information: Two visitations will be held on Monday, Sept. 13 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Rt 129), Lynn. The burial will be held at the family cemetery, Washington Cemetery, 108 Western Ave, Gloucester on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to meet at the cemetery. Those who prefer may make donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Directions and guestbook at www.solimine.com