Paul J. O'Brien

Paul Joseph O'Brien, age 90, of Wakefield and Concord, Massachusetts, died on September 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. Paul was the husband of 68 years of the late Clare O'Brien, who predeceased him recently in April of 2025.

Paul is survived by his seven children, Sandra (Michael), Teresa (Frank), Cheri (Brad), Kimberly, Paul (Sarah), Karen (Vinh), and Linda (Michael). Paul was the devoted grandfather ("Papa") of eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild: Alexandra, Arielle, Erin, Daniel, Courtney, Brittany, Madison, Ciara, Malina, Sadie, Olivia and Lilyanna. He also leaves his sisters in-law, Dorothea, Tish and Jackie, as well as many nieces and nephews and his cousins Barbara and Eileen.

Paul was born in Boston on April 16, 1935, the only child of the late Joseph and Marion O'Brien. Paul grew up in South Boston, Massachusetts and was proud of his "Southie" roots. Despite being an only child, Paul had close relationships with his grandparents who helped to raise him. He graduated from Gate of Heaven High School. While in "Southie", Paul enjoyed playing football and other sports and developing life enduring friendships.

Following high school, Paul attended and graduated from Boston College, where he was a proud Alumni, attending BC sporting events for many years as a basketball and football season ticket holder. At the age of 18, he met his future wife Clare at the dance club "Mosley's On The Charles", thus beginning a lifelong love and best friendship. They were married in Arlington, MA in August of 1957 and moved to Newport, RI, where Paul was serving in the Navy.

After the military, Paul began a long career in the Insurance Industry while Clare raised their large and growing family in Concord, Massachusetts. Clare and Paul enjoyed travelling, often on company trips, to places such as Japan, China, Europe, Arizona and Hawaii. They particularly loved the Island of Kauai and went back frequently to visit and encouraged their children to honeymoon at this same place that they considered a second home. Late in Paul's business career, Clare and Paul together launched the O'Brien Insurance Agency in Reading, Massachusetts where they worked together, alongside their daughter Sandra.

Paul was a parishioner of Saint Bernard's Church (now Holy Family Parish) in Concord for over 50 years. Paul enjoyed reading, music, gardening, and lawncare. He maintained a very large collection of books which he cherished and displayed in his home library. Paul was an avid Red Sox fan and season ticket holder for 40+ years. He and Clare were also supporters of The Wakefield Public Library, The Boston Symphony and The Boston Pops. One of the memorable O'Brien events was Clare and Paul's annual hosting of the family at the Boston Pops Christmas concert.

Most recently Paul resided at Brightview Senior Living in Wakefield. Paul's family is very appreciative of the recent care he received from the dedicated staffs at Brightview, The Brudnick Center, Lahey Hospital and Winchester Hospital.

Paul's greatest loves were spending time with his wife Clare, and enjoying his grandchildren and family. Just prior to Clare's passing, knowing that he could not live without her, Paul promised Clare that he would be with her soon in eternity and true to his word, he kept that promise.

Family and friends will gather for a period of visitation at the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord, MA on Tuesday, October 7th from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Paul's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am in St. Bernard's Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square, Concord Center. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Concord.

Donations in Paul's memory may be made to Rosie's Place.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.