Top Banner for William O'Brien Obituary
William O'Brien Obituary

Brought to you by Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels

William O'Brien

Enfield, CT

December 13, 1932 - October 22, 2014

William O'Brien Obituary

William J. O’Brien passed away on October 22, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford CT. He was born on December 13, 1932 in Flushing, New York, the son of James O’Brien and Catherine (McKay) O’Brien. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Frances J. (Breslin) O’Brien, daughter Laura O’Brien of Farmington, son John O’Brien of South Windsor, CT, daughter Jennifer O’Brien of Enfield CT and brother, James O’Brien of Fairfield, CT. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Michael, Danielle and William Thomas, Connor and Kiley O’Brien and his great-grandchildren Ellie Thomas and Anthony Crane. He is predeceased by his parents, his son Jamie O’Brien and his brother Richard O’Brien. After graduating from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, Bill began his career in the lumber business. He spent the majority of his working years at the BMD Cooperative Reserve in Springfield, MA as the General Manager for 24 years before retiring in 1992. He was very active in Holy Family Parish in Enfield, CT as a CCD teacher, co-chair of the CYO with his wife Fran, a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Parish Council and Men’s Club as well as working in the “money room” at the church fair for many years. He was a 3rd degree Knight for Enfield Council #50. He was an avid Red Sox, UCONN and NY Giants fan. Bill or Willy (as he was called later in life by many friends and family) lived a full life. He lived his life by example. He taught his children and grandchildren how to laugh and how to love. He shared with them his faith and the importance of family. He always spoke of his love and pride for all his children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. He was known for his quick wit and would talk to anyone, anywhere. He said more than once that “it is amazing how small the world becomes when you open your mouth and talk to someone.” He will be missed by all that knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Rd. Enfield. Interment will follow in St. Patrick King St. Cemetery, Enfield. Bill’s family will receive friends and relatives, Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd. Enfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jamie and Laura O'Brien Scholarship at Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Please make checks payable to Fairfield University and include “Jamie and Laura O'Brien Scholarship" in the memo line.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of William O'Brien hosted by Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels.

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of William O'Brien.