David William ‘Billy’ O’Brien
David William ‘Billy’ O’Brien
Obituary
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David O’Brien Obituary
In 1960, David's pursuit of knowledge led him to graduate from the University of San Francisco with a law degree. His legal acumen flourished, establishing him as a distinguished figure in workers' compensation law.
For decades, David served as a respected Judge, lawyer, and scholar, who authored the preeminent books "California Workers' Compensation Claims and Benefits, Vol. I & II", "California Unemployment, Disability and Paid Family Leave Insurance, 12th Edition", leaving an indelible imprint on the legal landscape.
Beyond his professional achievements, David's magnetic storytelling illuminated every gathering, endearing him to all who crossed his path. His warmth, wisdom, and boundless humor resonated with friends, family, and acquaintances.
David is survived by his cherished family, his cherished colleagues and the many friends he made at the racetrack and in his life.
David's absence leaves a void felt deeply by his community. His legacy as a devoted family man, accomplished legal luminary, and captivating raconteur will endure in the hearts of those privileged to have shared in his extraordinary life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Brittany Cufaude
July 22, 2024
I miss you everyday Grandpa.
Cathie Marcotte
April 14, 2024
I met David in 1991 in Big Bear, California when he came to Wilhelm´s Printing where I worked. His wit and intelligence was fascinating. I worked from home for David as a novice paralegal for 9 years and was blessed to know him. He would spend time entertaining my two young children by telling them stories while I redrafted a trial brief or other legal document he needed done right away. He taught me many valuable lessons about truly caring for others with the way he represented his clients. David was a man integrity and kindness like no one I have ever known. I will never forget him...ever.
Margaret O'Brien
January 14, 2024
Ode to Billy Boy
Oh, Billy boy, Billy boy the Brook
in the field is calling.
Can you hear the wailing of water
smack upon its mossy shores?
A young boy once
whose stones were cast into it.
A retreat perhaps from
The unwanted family chores.
Oh Billy boy, Billy boy, please don´t think
we won´t remember.
Your wit, your charm, your laughter
How you were adored.
Mischievous, whimsical, a dreamer
a leprechaun I thought
hidden beneath the guise
you once wore.
Billy boy, Billy boy the Brook is now a raging,
its pounding stronger than before.
We mortals wish to save you,
but heaven seems to want you so much more.
Sweet Billy whose blue eyes shine like magic
New England Asters will guide you on your way
Good soldiers and loved ones now surround you
"Onward Billy"... I sadly hear them say!
Margaret O´Brien
One final thought:
My dad loved two things, very much... the horses and boxing and his favorite boxer, of course, was Mohammed Ali. And Mohamed Ali once said quote "I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was." Well Dad... You were the greatest even though you NEVER knew you was!
Mark De Simone
December 22, 2023
"Uncle Billy" was my late grandmother's (Marguerite "Peggy") brother. I've met him a handful of times growing up over the years in Lincoln and remember him showing us the improvements he did at the O'Brien family home in Campton. I always remember him being a happy , kind, and jolly man. I remember how proud my grandmother was of him and his successful life, career in law, service to our country, and his beautiful family.
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John Kallas
December 21, 2023
Judge David O´Brien was a Great Person & a Great Story teller who will be missed but Never Forgotten!! My Prayers are with Bernadette & Her entire family! Rest in peace Judge....
Bernadette O´Brien
December 20, 2023
Kathy
December 20, 2023
RIP
Kathleen
Mary Sinacori-Strong
December 20, 2023
I will always remember his kindness and humor. My deepest sympathy goes out to Bern and her family.
Bernadette O´Brien
December 19, 2023
Bernadette OBrien
December 19, 2023
Christina Bardelli
December 19, 2023
Judge,
I will never forget all your stories and the impact you´ve had on my life. To this day I remember "if you´re not up before the chickens, you´re lazy". The knowledge you had in just about every area and your excitement over your book(s) becoming digital, unforgettable. Horse racing, I never understood but enjoyed hearing about. You´re one of my very favorite people.
To this day I apply many lessons I´ve learned from you.
See you in the sky Judge.
Tom skeren
December 19, 2023
The first time I met the judge was in Ventura CA where he was a presenter at a workers compensation seminar. At that time he told a little story about how he spent the day sitting at Off Track Betting that morning one of his favorite pass times. He described the people at the table as being recipients of benefits of the work comp system. As the group were describing their experiences they eventually got to him and to a raucous applause he told them he was a WC judge. Half the group were delighted to have the opportunity to ask him questions while the other half quietly departed.
Much of this story is lost with my translation and fading memory but those who knew the judges presentation and the twinkle in his eye you'll understand the humor.
Donna Head
December 19, 2023
My first memories of Judge O'Brien were the unending funny stories he told. He was never without one.
Andrea Coletto
December 19, 2023
I will always remember visiting Judge O'Brien at his childhood home in NH. I was vacationing in the area and he insisted I stop by. He showed us the house, the pictures on the walls, the beautiful creek behind the house and the maple trees. He took me and my family out to his favorite restaurant for dinner and we indulged in his fun stories and sharp sense of humor. He was a standup guy, sweet as pie, kind and fun loving. He will always hold a very special place in my heart and I am honored to have known him. May he rest in peace and he will live forever in the hearts of all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Bernadette O´Brien
December 19, 2023
Dearest Dad, I know you are up in Heaven laughing with the Angels and working a long shot at the horse races, but I wanted to say to you that it would be impossible to thank you for the incredible impact you had on my life from a love of music, movies, travel, writing, career, humor and storytelling to so much more, I will miss you forever, your daughter Bernadette
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