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BORN
1944
DIED
2012
David O'Brien Obituary
Oxford - David W. O'Brien, 68, of French River Circle, died with his wife and sister by his side on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at UMass Memorial Medical Center- University Campus, after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sheryl M. (Levine) O'Brien of Oxford; five children, Cheryl Hemmerch and her husband James of New Jersey, Chet O'Brien and his wife Kathleen of New Jersey, Debra Ferdella of Worcester, Lori Rodriguez and her husband Jose of Oxford, and Kerri Suprenant and her husband Arthur of Webster; four sisters, Helen Newstead of New Jersey, Maureen Modesty of Worcester, Eileen Rock of New Jersey, and Kathleen Steinhart of Worcester; 11 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, many nephews and nieces, and his close friends Danny Mac, Nurse Dan, and Nurse Nancy Noonan. He was predeceased by a brother, John O'Brien of Worcester who died in 2011. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late John and Helen (Smith) O'Brien, and lived in Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1982. He attended St. Stephen's High School in Worcester and was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
Mr. O'Brien was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Worcester for 34 years, retiring in 2009. He loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and many other family members. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Vijay Kasturi and his staff at the Oncology Clinic at UMass for their support and care that they provided to David in his challenge to fight lung cancer.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2012, at St. John's Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester. Burial will be private at a later date. Memorial calling hours will be Friday, April 13, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
paradisfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for David O'Brien
Debra J. Maddox, RN, BSN, OCN
April 17, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Sue and Dick Grout
April 14, 2012
Dear Sherry, Dick and I are so sorry to hear of David's passing. Although it has been a few years since we have seen you, we remember David fondly. May you and your family find comfort and peace that he is now in the loving hands of the Lord.
Susan Brindisi
April 13, 2012
Sherry and Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Dave was a great guy!!
Thoughts and Prayer are with you.
Evelyn Flynn
April 13, 2012
Dear Sheryl,
I am so sorry that David lost his long hard battle. He certainly was very gallant in his pursuit Another family member gone from site but not in our hearts. Our losses have been multiple these past few months, so I am unable to personally express my sincere, and deepest sympathy, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With love and affection,
Your sister,
Evelyn
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Richard & Cheryl Shiraka
April 12, 2012
To Kathy Steinhart and Family, Was on the Internet and going through the Obituaries I saw David's Name, we are sorry for your loss, I knew David as a Letter Carrier and as a Boss and I will remember him as a friend also.
Kellie Morton
April 12, 2012
To Sheryl and family,
David was one of a kind, with one of the biggest and most kind hearts! I will never forget our "miracle man", he will live on forever in many of our hearts and minds and will be missed greatly. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. David my friend, You will be missed, you fought so hard and brave, it is now time to rest. God bless you David, as you enjoy eternal happiness,and peace.
Love, Kellie A. Morton, PCA2
Dr. Kasturi
Umass Cancer Center
April 12, 2012
I worked with Dave and his sister for many years at the P.O. He was a Terrific guy who always made me smile.My prayers to his family.Dave Beams,Worcester.
Lori and Bob Giannotti
April 12, 2012
We are so sad to hear of Dave's passing. He never gave up and faced each challlenge bravely. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
Ernie Dew
April 12, 2012
Sherry: I am so sorry for your loss. I met Dave at our reunions and i always thought of him as being a very nice person. May God keep and bless you and your family during this very sad and trying time. Do what you must to get through your grieving process and keep Dave in your heart. Your classmate, Ernie Dew
Eileen Rock
April 11, 2012
We will all miss you, David. Love you Brother!
Andrew Gordish
April 11, 2012
I am so sad by the loss of my friend Dave. My heart goes out to his wife and loving family. God please watch over Dave and his family he is leaving behind !! He was a wonderful person with a heart of gold !
Deb Lamarche
April 11, 2012
I'm so sorry Sherry, he gave a good fight for so long. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers... Deb Lamarche
Brian, Kevin, Dad and Jay
David O'Brien
April 11, 2012
Brian Dad and Jay
David O'Brien
April 11, 2012
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