William B. "Bill" O'Brien

William B. "Bill" O’Brien, 83, passed away peacefully on March 19th, 2025, at Knollwood Nursing Center, surrounded by his beloved family. Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Janet M. (Cabana) O'Brien, and their four children, Michael O'Brien of Jefferson, Karen O’Brien of Auburn, Mary Sycks alongside her husband Stephen of Worcester and Daniel O'Brien, with his wife Christina of Leicester. He also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Connor, Hannah, Cameron, William, Harrison, David, Olivia, Kathleen, and Benjamin and his adored great-grandson Dexter. Additionally, he has left his two best friends, Catherine Doran and George White, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his brother, Thomas O'Brien, and his sister, Patricia Knowlton. Born in Worcester, Bill was the son of Thomas and Patricia (Downey) O'Brien. He was a proud graduate of St. John's High School in Shrewsbury and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force.

Bill was a faithful servant of Jesus. He married the love of his life in 1965, and they created a family of six soon after. He was a caring husband, and embraced the vocation of fatherhood, spending most of his time building a home for his family, including a playground, for his children. He was eager to lend a hand to anyone in need. His smile and laughter would light up the room. He enjoyed walking every day, meeting people, and was known as the friendly face in the Webster Square neighborhood. He was the unofficial “greeter” for new families on Falcon St through the years and was always willing to help his neighbors. Bill enjoyed watching the families grow throughout the years.

Bill loved spending time with his grandchildren. He would take them on adventures including parades in the basement with instruments made out of things he found in his workshop and walks to the New Ludlow Street School playground. He ensured that every sleepover ended with their favorite donut from Dunkin Donuts. Whether he was picking them up from school in the back of his work van or just telling them stories of his youth, he found a way to make every activity fun and filled with laughter. He encouraged bravery, going so far as to build a swing out of a rope and a gallon bucket in his basement and a hidden playhouse in his closet to store all of the plush toys and letting the grandchildren play. He ensured he knew what each of his grandchildren was interested in, and showed up for them. He attended countless school recitals and offered advice about the trades. He shared his love of the ocean and fishing with each of them, bringing them to the beach or on the boat as often as possible.

Bill dedicated many years of his life as a carpenter at Thom McCann and traveled for work at Forte Enterprises before enjoying his retirement. Bill took pride in the work he did as a carpenter and often told stories of the buildings he worked on and the travels he experienced while building. He was an active member of Our Lady of the Angels Church and the Greendale Retired Men’s Club. Bill was a proud Irishman who loved listening to Irish music. His passions included traveling, birdwatching, gardening, and woodworking, and he took great joy in crafting a variety of toys for his grandchildren over the years that gave them all lasting memories.

Family and friends are invited to gather in memory of Bill on Friday, March 28th, at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, located at 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 29th, at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial with military honors at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Our Lady of the Angels Church in Worcester at https://olaworcester.org/online-giving.