David Charles O'Brien

David Charles O'Brien

Colrain, MA - David Charles O'Brien passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 4:13pm in Greenfield, MA. He was born on March 14, 1947 in Greenfield, MA to the late Clarence and Louise (Bowen) O'Brien. Dave was predeceased by his brother Bernie O'Brien, sister Nancy O'Brien Forrest, and niece Kim.

He is survived by his children, Katrina (Sasha) and Ethan (Bonnie); brothers Dexter (Joyce) and C. Ethan (Diana); former wife, Marilyn (John); longtime girlfriend, Evie Gore; nephews, John, David, Matt, Mike, Mark, Sean, and Chris; nieces, Cathy, Linda, and Melinda; grandchildren, Clara and Esther; and many good friends.

Dave grew up in Shattucksville in Colrain with the neighborhood kids, including the Richardson boys. He graduated from Arms Academy in 1965, where he played football and hockey. A man of action, he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, but left a few classes shy of obtaining his engineering degree, citing boredom. Dave was the owner and operator of D.C. O'Brien Contracting, specializing in residential construction "from the ground up" (concrete through finish work). Known for his tough exterior and huge heart, Dave leaves behind many underbilled clients with overbuilt homes, as well as former employees with bolstered work ethics.

Dave's competency and work ethic were unmatched. He prided himself on self sufficiency and the ability to solve any problem. He mentored many young craftsmen, and taught his children a love for carpentry and the natural landscape of New England. He had a soft spot for animals. Over the years, Dave had many pets as companions including Bob, Biggie, Cleo, and Shadow. He was an excellent gardener and was an impressive homesteader back before it was cool. He loved going fishing with his brother, C. Ethan.

Dave spent the majority of his life in Colrain, with stints in Colorado and Vermont. He talked frequently about his adventures in Denver and driving across the country in his Sunbeam Alpine. Ultimately, his time away strengthened his conviction that Colrain was the place to be. He loved snowmobiling and spending time at 'Squeaky Tree' with the local crew. Dave travelled extensively throughout the North East and eastern Canada on his motorcycle, yet also loved cruising down to his favorite fishing hole on his bike to catch brookies. He always said heaven had lots of shade and a good view. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or your favorite local animal shelter in his honor. His family would like to thank Nate Deno, as well as Melody, Megan, Jill, Cindy, Carrie and others at Regal for the care and dignity they provided him.

A graveside service will be held at the North River Cemetery on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 2 pm.