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John O'Brien Obituary
John is survived by his wife and partner of 43 years, Rita P. (Toscano) O'Brien; his three children: Colleen Rosales and her husband Ben of Sutton, Worcester Fire Lt. John F. O'Brien, III and his wife Brenda of Worcester, James B. O'Brien of Lighthouse Point Florida; a brother, David O'Brien of Oxford; four sisters: Helen Newstead and Eileen Rock both in New Jersey, Kathleen Steinhart and Maureen Modesty both of Worcester; three grandchildren, who he adored: Brigitte LeFrancois, Gabrielle Rosales and Kallie O'Brien; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
John was born in Worcester, his parents were the late John F. O'Brien, Sr. and Helen (Smith) O'Brien. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade, joined the U.S. Navy to serve his country during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department and earned his degree in Fire Science from Quinsigamond Community College.
John worked more than 20 years as a Fire Fighter for the City Of Worcester before retiring. He began his career on Engine 5 and retired as a Lieutenant on Ladder 5 on Providence Street.
He was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, the International Brotherhood of Fire Fighters Local 1009, the Worcester Fire Relief Association and the Eastside Post 201, American Legion. John and Rita loved to travel and spent many winters in Lighthouse Point Florida. He was a quiet man who cherished his family especially his grandchildren. They were his inspiration and life's joy.
The funeral will be held Saturday, February 19th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd. Burial, with Military Honors, will be in St. John Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Friday, February 18th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226. The O'Brien Family would like to thank Dr Nikhil Munshi and Nurse Practitioner Tina Flaherty of the Dana Faber for the excellent care and understanding they gave to John.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John O'Brien
Laura Mistry
February 21, 2011
Aunt Rita
February 21, 2011
Rita and Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this time... may God Bless you in this time of sorrow.
Lisa ( Bria) Wade
Nancy Ramirez and Family
February 20, 2011
Dear Rita and Family,
There is no emptiness God can't fill no loneliness He can't see us through.
In this time of sadness our thoughts and prayers are with you.
SAL DEGON
February 19, 2011
RITA, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOHN, ALTOUGH WE HAVE NOT SEEN EACH OTHER FOR MANY YEARS,. I CAN STILL REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES WE ALL HAD TOGETHER AND JOHN WAS ALWAYS A GOOD GUY. HE IS IN MY PRAYERS. SAL DEGON
February 19, 2011
Dear Colleen,Ben,Gabrielle and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
All of our love,
Jeff and Cyndi Margoupis & Family
Joann Haffty & Family
February 18, 2011
Dear Rita & Family,
We extend our heartfelt prayers, and deepest sympathies to all of you. May God embrace you all with His Love! Remember it's not an end, but a new beginning.
February 18, 2011
Dear Ben, Colleen and Gabrielle,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences.
With sympathy,
Tony, Diane and Angela
Jo & MIke Mess
February 18, 2011
David,
Mike and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of, John. May you feel some comfort that he is out of pain and at peace. I wish we could be with you and Sherry and this tough time.
Scott & Laura Fenner
February 18, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Fran and Susan Ducharme
February 18, 2011
John, Brenda and family,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. We always heard very nice things about him from Rob and Ray. May you find comfort in knowing that your dad is with our Heavenly Father and Mother in heaven where one day you will be reunited again. Our very deepest condolences on your loss.
Paula Hebert
February 18, 2011
To the O'Brian family, we are very sorry on the death of Johnny,our thoughts are with all of you,John was a great guy and very helpful to my family for many years. Paula Hebert and the Hebert family.
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