John Paul O’Brien, age 89, died peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Veteran’s Hospital in West Roxbury, after a brief illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Mary E. (Mealy), his three children Deacon John (Janis) of Mansfield, Julie O’Brien (Amy Hanlon) of South Yarmouth and Maryellen O’Brien (Ken Bruetsch) of Gainesville, VA; and grandchildren Megan O’Brien, Katie O’Brien, Emily Heaney, Kevin Heaney and Melissa Heaney.
Born in Everett, MA on November 2, 1934, he was the loving son of the late J. Richard and Eleanor F. (McQueeney) O’Brien. He was predeceased by his siblings Richard O’Brien, LtCol. Clare O’Brien, USAF (Ret), Mary Jane Rainge and William O’Brien.
Originally from Revere, John lived in Norwood for the past 61 years, where he and Mary raised their three children. John was a faithful Catholic all his life and his faith was very important to him.
John was a longtime, active member of the local Elks lodge in Norwood. An Army veteran and graduate of Boston College, John enjoyed golf, working in the yard/garden and cheering for all the Boston and BC sports teams. When not in the yard, he would often be watching old war or western movies, reading, and just spending time with his family whom he cherished.
Visitation will be between 9:00-10:30 A.M. on Saturday January 20th at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield, MA, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106), Mansfield. Burial will follow at a later date at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made in memory of John to either the VA Boston Healthcare System (https://www.pay.gov/public/form/entry/103/52253675/) or CatholicTV (www.catholictv.org/donate).
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com