Retired Boston Firefighter, Martin J. "Marty" O'Brien Sr., a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at the Chelsea Soldiers Home in Chelsea following an extended illness. He was 91 years old.
Marty was born in Boston on May 5, 1925, a son of the late Jeremiah O'Brien and Annie (Sullivan) O'Brien. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School. Marty enlisted into the United States Navy on August 17, 1942 and served his country with courage and pride during World War II. He was honorably discharged on November 6, 1945 with the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate, Second Class. Marty joined the Boston Fire Department in April of 1948 and served and protected the people of Charlestown as a Firefighter assigned to Ladder 9 in Charlestown for his entire career. He retired in December of 1981 following 33 years of dedicated service to the people of Charlestown and the City of Boston. He was Chief Marshall in 1994 of the Bunker Hill Day Parade and Mayor of Charlestown. He was a member of Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus, Bunker Hill Associates, Charlestown Old Schoolboys Association, St. Francis De Sales Parish Council and St. Francis De Sales Social Club. He was a former member of the Friends of the Charlestown District Courthouse, Charlestown Neighborhood Council, Bunker Hill Day Parade Committee and Charlestown to Charlestown Committee. Marty was a family man first and foremost, and took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
Marty is the beloved husband of the late Catherine T. (Welsh) O'Brien. He is the loving father of retired Boston Firefighter Martin J. O'Brien Jr. and his wife Lila Mellen of Hilton Head, South Carolina, Roy O'Brien and his wife Cheryl of Charlestown, James O'Brien of North Conway, New Hampshire, Thomas O'Brien of Charlestown, Daniel O'Brien and his wife Joan of Billerica, Catherine O'Brien and her husband Robert Clough of Charlestown, Pauline O'Brien of Charlestown, Ann Marie Kelly and her husband Kevin of Charlestown, Michelle Rynne and her husband John of West Roxbury and Paul O'Brien of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He is the loving Papa to Martin, Derek, Christopher, Jolie, Thomas, Paul, Daniel, Jr., David, Charlene, James, Michael, Riordan, Caitlee, Nolan, Aislinn, Ronan Brennan, Rory, Kacie, Kiersten, Philip, Patrick, Conor, Gavin, Sean, John, Jessica, his great-grandchildren Ashley, Bailey, Brittany, Derek, Brendan, Nevin, Paul, Liam, Declan, Kendall, Quinn, Raja, Khalil, Aidan, Owen, Evan, Blake, and his great-great-grandchild Jonathan, he is predeceased by twin granddaughters Ann and Bridget. He is the beloved brother of Ann Stygles of Wilmington and the late Vincent O'Brien, Edward O'Brien, Thomas O'Brien, Catherine Graham and Mary Lee. He is the brother-in-law of Chet Zwonik. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews especially Geraldine Pondelli, Janice Pope and Ann and Russell McGibbons of Wilmington.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Marty's Funeral on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. His burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. His visiting hours will be on Sunday, March 19, 2017 from 3 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Marty's name to St. Francis De Sales Church Building Fund, 303 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129 of Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.
The family of Marty wish to extend their appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Chelsea Soldiers Home for their care and dignity provided to their father and grandfather during his stay at the facility.