John O'Brien Obituary
John was a US Navy veteran, having served as a nuclear powerplant operator on USS Ethan Allen (SSBN 608) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600) from 1965 to 1970. After his time in the navy, he worked as a master electrician for the Union Carbide company, Connecticut National Bank, and other facilities, in addition to teaching electrical courses and managing his own private electrical contracting business. He also volunteered with the 8th Utilities District of Manchester, CT as a firefighter, EMT and Assistant Fire Marshal.
John was an avid amateur historian and lifelong learner. He participated in Civil War reenacting as an artillerist, acquiring his own bronze cannon and loved entertaining and educating spectators. He enjoyed sailing, target shooting, and tinkering in his garage. He was well-known as a problem-solver and could be relied upon to find creative solutions or build unique contraptions with his outside-the-box thinking. More importantly, John sought after God with all his heart, mind, and strength, and came to the knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He spent hours upon hours reading, memorizing, and delving into the Scriptures and encouraging others to do the same. John is remembered as an intelligent, humorous and caring man. His mind was sharp, his smile infectious, and his generosity endearing. His kindness, wit, advice and storytelling will be dearly missed.
John married his sweetheart Carole in 1968 and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. He was a loving and attentive father to Susannah Blouin, Alexandra Garofalo and Joshua O'Brien, sons-in-law Robert Blouin and Joseph Garofalo, and grandfather to Ryley (Sarah), Savannah, and Iain Blouin, and to Sophia and Aidan Garofalo. John was predeceased by his siblings Mary Alice O'Brien and Eileen Balger. He is survived by his siblings Rosaleen O'Halloran, Dr. Mark O'Brien (and Dr. Kathryn O'Connor), Jude Hayes, Neil (and Joanne) O'Brien, and Matie O'Brien, and very numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Peggy Malaney
February 2, 2026
Dear Carole and family,
I am so sorry to hear of John´s death. His stories, caring and friendship will be missed. My condolences & love to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Peggy
Emily O´Brien Gray-Voorhees
January 11, 2026
The pure joy expressed by those closest to Uncle John in knowing that he is with his King Jesus is such a testament to his life and faith! Even in his death he´s shining the light of Christ. I´m so grateful for the man of God that he was and how he encouraged so many people in their faith, especially my mom - who in turn passed that priceless faith in Jesus along to me.
My earliest memories of Uncle John start with my birth story - as my mom was visiting him and his family when she went into early labor with me. I remember visiting him and his family ( I believe it was in a red house) as a little kid, riding on his motorcycle, and listening to the worship cassettes that he and Aunt Carole gave us from their church.
He was a man of quiet confidence, humility, and quick wit that will not be forgotten.
Sending love and saying prayers of comfort for all he´s gone ahead of.
Emily O´Brien Gray-Voorhees
January 11, 2026
The pure joy expressed by those closest to Uncle John in knowing that he is with his King Jesus is such a testament to his life and faith! Even in his death he´s shining the light of Christ. I´m so grateful for the man of God that he was and how he encouraged so many people in their faith, especially my mom - who in turn passed that priceless faith in Jesus along to me.
My earliest memories of Uncle John start with my birth story - as my mom was visiting him and his family when she went into early labor with me. I remember visiting him and his family ( I believe it was in a red house) as a little kid, riding on his motorcycle, and listening to the worship cassettes that he and Aunt Carole gave us from their church.
He was a man of quiet confidence, humility, and quick wit that will not be forgotten.
Sending love and saying prayers of comfort for all he´s gone ahead of.
Emily O´Brien Gray-Voorhees
January 11, 2026
The pure joy expressed by those closest to Uncle John in knowing that he is with his King Jesus is such a testament to his life and faith! Even in his death he´s shining the light of Christ. I´m so grateful for the man of God that he was and how he encouraged so many people in their faith, especially my mom - who in turn passed that priceless faith in Jesus along to me.
My earliest memories of Uncle John start with my birth story - as my mom was visiting him and his family when she went into early labor with me. I remember visiting him and his family ( I believe it was in a red house) as a little kid, riding on his motorcycle, and listening to the worship cassettes that he and Aunt Carole gave us from their church.
He was a man of quiet confidence, humility, and quick wit that will not be forgotten.
Sending love and saying prayers of comfort for all he´s gone ahead of.
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Matie O´Brien
January 5, 2026
Congratulations to my amazing and Godly , tender hearted, brilliant brother who loved and thought so deeply, and lived his life in that way!
You leave behind an amazing legacy, a lovely wife and generations of Christ center kids and grandkids. Thank you both for being so much for being so instrumental in bringing me into the kingdom of God.
I am sure you are thrilled and got your wish to go with Jesus to see how hot the sun actually is.
Know that you have impacted my life and that of so many others. You have run the good race, fought the fight and made it home to glory..
I am so grateful for your love, kindness, wisdom, and laughter, and the blessed assurance that I will see you again. I would gladly have traded places with you if I could have.....
Joyfully and Tearfully,
Matie (#8)
Susannah O´Brien Blouin
January 4, 2026
Dad was my fierce protector, loyal fan and favorite cuddle spot on the couch. He taught me how to dive in Cape Cod and to not underestimate the comfort of a great bowl of New England clam chowder. He defended my right to root for the Mets even if I was wrong. (He liked the Yankees)and how to catch and throw a baseball. We loved to watch Clint Eastwood and Charles Branson´s vigilante movies and he taught me how to shoot at the range. He was forever learning and thoroughly enjoyed teaching. Whether drilling me on basic engine mechanics or how to throw a good spiral, he treated me like a lady and expected me to act like one. He was a man of simple pleasures with the most brilliant mind I´ve ever known (though he thought that of his brother, Mark). He worked hard, was generous to a fault and never complained even throughout illness. He gave thanks to God for his many blessings and most especially for providing His Son, Our Saviour. He never shied away from spreading the gospel and was nicknamed Father John at several of the places he worked. Dad adored Mom and cherished his children and grands. I´ve never met his match and I´m honored to have been his daughter. Until we meet again, Daddy
Karl Hayes
January 2, 2026
I pray for Aunt Carol, Sue, Alex, Josh and all the grandkids during this difficult time. I am happy that Uncle John is no longer suffering and has returned home to Our Father in Heaven. He is now reunited with his parents Grandpa John and Nanny Moey as well as his sisters Mary Alice and Eileen. I want to thank Aunt Carole and the kids for sharing Uncle John with us. He taught me so much by being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. From showing his love by hosting the O´Brien family reunions, serving our country as as a Navy Submariner, sharing our family ancestry and most importantly sharing his love of Christ. Until we are reunited again in Heaven. Thank you and Love you
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