Richard C. O'Brien

"May his memory be a blessing"
Richard (aka Rich, Richie, Dadio, Pop) O'Brien died in his home in the early hours of May 7th, after a three-year battle with what he would tell anyone who asked was "fatigue". He was 76, but easily 30 years old in his mind. A colorful, curious, authentic, easy-going, sometimes inappropriate and downright annoying but always loving character that had much more life to live if not for cancer.
Born: November 10, 1948 in Pittsfield, MA
Raised: 1951-1968 in North Plainfield, NJ
Served: 1968-1972 in the U.S. Navy
Lived: 1972-2025 in Marshfield, MA
Careered: 1986-2013 as the owner/operator of Boston Accents Hair Design in Pembroke, MA (followed by an additional 12 years in his home salon).
Rich's wife of 51 years, Lyn O'Brien, died 18 months prior. They fought their cancer battles together, but left us separately, revealing just how integral their partnership was.
He is survived by his 2 equally chaotic and fun-loving children – Katie O'Brien (Morell) of Jamaica Plain and Kevin O'Brien of Marshfield. Together, they designed and delivered an epic "farewell tour" along with their families-Tyler, Ruby (née Archer) and CC Morell + Nicole, Seamus and Brynn O'Brien. While Rich turned an artistic passion and penchant for people into a successful business without it feeling like work, his greatest achievement was fulfilled watching Katie and Kevin create lives with worthy partners. His west coast grandchildren moving to Boston 7 years ago and having his youngest grandchildren move in with him over the last year was the ultimate gift of his lifetime.
Beyond his kin, he leaves
His sisters: Connie O'Brien of Plymouth, and Dorothy Howell of Alpharetta, GA – the alto and soprano to his tenor in the O'Brien quartet. The bass (his brother Jack) died in 2011. Together, with Dorothy's husband Jim, they shared frequent sibling reunions from Nascar to Nashville, and a few National Parks in between.
His in-laws: Maryanne + David Evans of Marshfield (clutch roadies in Dad's "farewell tour"), Betsy + Joe Kelley of Algonquin, IL, Dick + Mary (deceased) Mandeville of Weymouth, Paul (deceased) + Judy Mandeville of Westwood, and Jim + Donna Mandeville of Marshfield. He also made an impression on his many nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as "Crazy Uncle Rich." They all humored his Griswold-esque antics during weekly Sunday dinners at 7 Chandler Drive, summers at the Jack O'Lantern, and even allowed him to sing at a wedding or 2.
And many more: his team of stylists and long-time clients from Boston Accents, the Saint Christine's choir, the Mandevilt golf troop, the Bay Players theater community, and his dear friends (old and new) who often assumed the role of the "straight man" in his story – a crucial counterpart to any comic hero.
The funeral will be held at St Ann's by the Sea in Marshfield on Friday, May 30th at 10:30 am – 24 years (to the day) after we buried his oldest son, Richie, in 2001. Lyn and Rich's ashes will join Richie in Couch Cemetery immediately following the service. From there, guests are invited to have a brewski with the family at Stellwagen in Marshfield and bid on some of Dad's paintings – all proceeds will go to Alice's House.
There will be a celebration of life for his clients, colleagues, friends, and family to share & hear stories about Dad the day before. Please reach out to the family for those details.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Alice's House, the spiritual seaside retreat in Humarock, where we spent time preparing for, then mourning our Mom. We were lucky enough to squeeze in one last adventure to take in the waves and say goodbye to friends and family at the house the week before Dad's death. Our donations make this transformative experience accessible to everyone.
For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com