William P. O'Brien

"Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling…"

TOPSFIELD - William "Bill" Patrick O'Brien, 48-year resident of Topsfield and recently of Middleton, followed his beloved wife Bobbie to heaven on July 13, 2025. His loss leaves an unfillable void. He was the epitome of love, kindness, and generosity, and his 96 years on the planet made the world a better place for everyone who knew him.

Bill was born in November 1928 in Lynn, MA. He was the eldest son of Irish immigrants, the late William and Mary O'Brien. He grew up in West Lynn where he attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and St. Mary's High School. He worked from the age of 14, helping his mother support the family. He was a local basketball star in Catholic youth leagues.

Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation. Upon discharge, he enrolled at Fitchburg State College on the GI Bill and met his soul-mate Bobbie McDermott. They married in 1954. He was a self-made man, graduating from Bentley College and Suffolk University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Bill was Controller at Laboratory for Electronics and President of Sensor Precision Industries. He fulfilled his dream of self-employment by starting his own successful office supply business in 1972. In 1988 he had the foresight to sell O'Brien Stationers, anticipating the impact newcomer Staples would have on his industry. He reinvented himself at the age of 60 as Boxford Town Accountant. He was a respected municipal employee until his retirement at 79.

Bill cared more about his family than anything in the world. He was involved in all aspects of his children's lives, and was ahead of his time with his day-to-day participation in family rituals. The O'Brien home was a welcoming hang-out for kids in the neighborhood and beyond. Bill lived his entire life in a good mood, with a smile on his face. He was perpetually happy. He never criticized anyone. He liked people and made friends easily. He kept his friends for life. He was friendly, smart, and funny, and endlessly grateful for his life and everyone in it. He lived a life of gratitude.

Bill kept an immaculate horse property. Despite sitting on a horse just once on their first date, he embraced Bobbie's horse passion because it made her happy. He built her a barn. He built and maintained 2 acres of horse fencing for 45 years. He was a neighborhood fixture on his red tractor. He loved sports and bought his first Celtics ticket in 1949 for 75 cents with a newspaper coupon and became a lifelong fan. He coached his children's sports when they were young. He took the family on countless ski and tennis vacations. He avidly followed the Celtics, Patriots, and international tennis. He was an exceptional tennis player and member of Topsfield Club 92 for 40 years. At age 55, he and his older partner defeated all the younger players to win the Club 92 Annual Championship. He served many years as Club Captain. He played tennis year-round until he was 87.

With Bobbie, Bill was a devout member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church since 1966. He was a de facto volunteer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, working tirelessly behind the scenes to help his wife with her contributions. He donated monthly to St. Jude’s Hospital and Paralyzed Veterans. He made regular contributions to St. Vincent dePaul, Essex County Trails, and Care Dimensions in Bobbie's memory after she passed.

Bill was fiercely protective of the women in his family. He was absolutely adored by his mother, sister, and mother-in-law as well as his wife. They all thought he was a gift from God and lived their lives knowing they could count on him for anything. Bill was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. It was an honor and a privilege to be one of his children.

For his Bill's entire life, he put the people he loved ahead of himself. He was grateful that Bobbie went before him, so he could be the one to suffer the loss instead of her. He never, ever complained about anything, even the challenges of old age without Bobbie. He aged with extraordinary grace and good humor, smiling all the way. He was an absolute joy to be around. He was selflessness personified. He will be missed forever by those who loved him.

Bill is survived by his loving children Erin O'Brien (Don Murphy) of Middleton, Molly (Dan) Awiszus of Topsfield, and Barry (Lisa) O'Brien of Eliot, Maine, grandchildren Emma, Terence, Peter, Annabella, and Aidan. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by sister Mary O'Brien of California and brothers Jim O'Brien of Maine and John O'Brien of Florida. He also leaves many extended family members and friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: As they planned, Bill and Bobbie's ashes will be commingled for eternity. Interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield, on the 8th Anniversary of Bobbie's passing will be private. Assisting the family with arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St. (rte 62) in Danvers. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bill's lifetime legacy by being the friendly driver who happily lets others merge into traffic, giving a generous tip to someone who could use a little extra help, or consistently supporting meaningful charities. Donations in Bill's name can be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 22 Boston Street, Middleton, MA 01949. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnelfuneralservice.com.