WEST BROOKFIELD: Rev. William G. O'Brien, retired priest of the Diocese of Worcester, died Wednesday, April 6 in Notre Dame Long Term Care in Worcester after an illness.
He leaves his sister, Alice B. Pariseau-Trask of North Brookfield, a niece Carol Pariseau-Smith and her husband Donald of North Brookfield, two nephews Robert Pariseau and his wife Patricia of North Brookfield and David Pariseau and his wife Frances of Ware,several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a nephew Richard Pariseau and his wife Donna, brother-in-laws; Philip Trask and Maurice Pariseau.
Father O'Brien was born in New Braintree, son of George J. and Marguerita C. (Vigneault) O'Brien. He graduated from St. John's High School in Worcester and St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, CT, the Seminary of Philosophy and Grand Seminary, Montreal, P.Q. Canada.
He was ordained on June 24, 1951 at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester by Bishop John J. Wright.
Father O'Brien served as assistant pastor: Sacred Heart of Jesus in Gardner, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hopedale, St. Paul's Cathedral, Our Lady of Good Council in W.Boylston, St. Christopher's in Worcester, Our Lady of the Lake in Leominster, Pastor at St. Paul's in Warren (1970), St. Leo's in Leominster (1973), Immaculate Conception in Worcester (1989). Thereafter, Senior Priest and Administrator at Mary, Queen of the Rosary in Spencer and St. Martin Church in Otter River.
He was granted retirement on April of 1991 and remained available for service in diocesan parishes as health permitted.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McManus at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 11 in Fr. O'Brien's home parish, St. Joseph's Church, 296 Main St., No.Brookfield. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. A visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. and wake service at 7 pm.will be held at the church on Sunday, April 10th.
In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the Diocese of Worcester Clergy Benefit Plan, in care of Lynne Brissette, 40 Brattle St., Worcester, MA 01606.
J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer, Ma. is directing arrangements for the family.