Willard J. O'Brien

Willard J. O'Brien, 79, of Ballston Spa passed away on Thursday September 18, 2025, at St Peter's Hospice Inn. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on March 24, 1946, to Glenn and Mildred O'Brien.

Will served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1973 where he trained as a machinist mate. He was responsible for operations and maintenance of the steam water and hydraulic systems on nuclear powered submarines and served as an instructor at the Kesselring Nuclear Power Training Unit. When he left the Navy, he started working at Pettit Equipment Inc where he was responsible for sales, service, and inventory control. He loved his years there and met many wonderful people who became lifelong friends. Will spent 37 years working as an Electrician at the Kesselring Site retiring from there in 2019.

He spent many years coaching and umpiring Little League Baseball games. He enjoyed bowling, snowmobiling, and rebuilding cars and vans. He was also an avid fan of Nascar and loved to watch the races on Sunday with his loving wife. He loved his dogs and would often take the time to care for the family pets. Will and his wife were members of the Gold Wing Road Riders where they enjoyed long rides on beautiful sunny summer days. He loved spending time with his family and cherished all the moments they shared together.

Will was predeceased by his loving wife Carol O'Brien, his parents Glenn and Mildred O'Brien and his sister Diane Jacobs.

He is survived by his children Charles (Cynthia) O'Brien and Shelly (Roy) Bessey, three stepchildren Carol (Ray) DeThorne, Ronald (Patrice) Sherling, and Wendy (Nathan Randal) Pierce, grandchildren, Alison, Michael, Jessica, Nick, Britney, Taylor, Courtney, Lindsay, Paige and Miranda , great grandchildren Reilly, Kylie, Rocco, Carmello, Gino, Noella, Olivia, Leo, Carson, Carter, Marco, Nico, Nile, Monroe, M.J., and Murphy, sisters Carolyn Hatcher Baron, Donna Litte, and Joyce (Ron) Cross, and many nieces and nephews.

Will touched the lives of many and will be forever missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, September 25 from 5pm to 7pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial with military honors will be held 10am Friday, September 26 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Will may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.