Joseph E. O'Brien
July 7, 1924 ~ March 26, 2014
Joseph E. O’Brien passed away peacefully at home on Wed., March 26, 2014.
Born and raised in Beverly, he was a former golden gloves boxing champion. Joe was a veteran of WWII, serving in the 54th Military Police Company stationed primarily in Italy. He saw campaigns in Africa, Panama and Korea. Joe was a graduate of Northeastern University class of 1954. He worked as a social worker for the Department of Welfare, and personnel at Raytheon and Western Electric. Joe spent the remainder of his career as a caseworker for the Department of Youth Services. He was a 1988 recipient of “The Commissioner’s Award”.
He is survived by his son Paul O’Brien and his wife Geraldine of California, his son Joseph O’Brien and his wife Lisa of Boxborough and his daughter Susan O’Brien Martin of Plymouth, with whom he made his home for the last several years. He leaves five grandchildren Brandi and Michael of California, Joseph and Hayley of Boxborough and Brandon of Plymouth. He was the brother of the late Robert, Thomas and Ralph O’Brien. He is survived by his sisters Virginia Morrison of Salem, Evelyn Harrington of Beverly and Lorraine Leonard of Salem. He leaves many nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11AM on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will be held privately in the Mass. National Cemetery in Bourne on Wednesday. Visiting hours are Monday from 4-8PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers.
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Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Joseph E. O’Brien.
Susan and Joe and families — I am so very sorry to hear that “Dukie” has passed away. I am honored to have been able to call him my friend. I will always remember the years we spent working together AND all the great adventures that we shared. I recall how he sponsored me to join the AOH and the fond memories I have from those fun times. I especially remember our discussions about history and politics as well as religion. He was a huge presence at our summer parties in Topsfield at our family home. My younger brother Sean, in particular reminded me of some of those “episodes” when he alerted me (down here in FL) to Joe’s passing. He was an “American Original” to be sure! I have a great photo taken at the Danversport Yacht Club at his retirement party that I will copy and get to you. He was flanked by the Essex County District Attorney and the Youth Services Commissioner. Many laughs that night! Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. He was a true friend, an inspiration and a Proud Irish-American. All the best, Mark Mulcahy
From the Special Education Department at Plymouth South High purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Joseph E. O’Brien.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Joseph E. O’Brien.
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Joseph E. O’Brien.
My sincere condolences to the family of Joseph E. O’Brien. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in God’s promise to soon “wipe out every tear from your eyes…and death be no more” (Rev 21:3,4). We can continue to hope on his promise of a resurrection (John 5:28, 29). With deepest sympathy and warmth of heart, John Krone.