Robert J. O'Brien

Robert J. O'Brien

November 30, 1937-August 31, 2025

Robert J. O'Brien, 87, of Lynn MA., passed away peacefully at his home in RI, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on November 30, 1937 to Marguerite Bryson and Joseph O'Brien. His grandmother, "Ma" Bryson, who was born in Blacklion, a village in County Caven Ireland, was instrumental in his upbringing.

Bob was a gifted athlete who excelled in three sports at Lynn English High School, where he is in the Hall of Fame. His athletic talents earned him a full scholarship to Manlius Military Academy for a Post Graduate year as well as to the College of the Holy Cross where he distinguished himself as a student-athlete in both Varsity Football and Baseball. A highlight of his collegiate career was competing in the 1958 College World Series, finishing as the third-ranked team in the nation.

In 1960 Bob started his professional career in the textiles division of Johnson & Johnson where he progressed within the J & J family of companies for fifteen years, including Moore Fabrics and Chicopee Mfg. Co. He then joined the Felters Company in Milbury, Massachusetts, where he was General Manager, and finished his career in Taunton, Massachusetts as CEO of Bacon Felt Company.

Bob was married on September 11,1960 to the love of his life, Joan K. O'Brien (Robert Erikson and Marion G. Allen) until her passing in 2006. They started their family in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, relocated to Montclair, New Jersey and subsequently East Greenwich, Rhode Island, before retiring in North Kingstown. Together they raised three daughters - Susan Weberg (Warren), Kristin Fox (widower of Sean) and Meg Holmgren (J) - and later welcomed four grandchildren: Kristina and JJ (Erin) Holmgren, and Connor and Trevor Fox.

Beyond his professional and family life, Bob embraced a wide range of passions. He was a founding board member at Quidnessett Country Club in Rhode Island and a devoted golfer. He loved reading history and biographies, enjoyed playing the piano, fishing, vegetable gardening, and spending time at Beavertail and Rhode Island's beautiful and rugged coastline. In later years he discovered new joys in cooking, appreciating nature, and attending lacrosse games where he became Connor's and Trevor's biggest fan, and developed many friendships along the way.

"Dad", "Papa" and "Bob" will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He was a Gentleman. Greatly respected by all those who knew him. Loyal. Kind. Fiercely smart. Generous. A prolific story teller from all genres of his life. Grounded. Curious. Charismatic, Classy. Handsome. Steady, And determined. Always supportive. He was a gem.

His funeral and burial in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

Arrangements have been entrusted to THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD.