CHICOPEE – Richard F. O’Brien, Sr., 89, of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. He passed into Eternal Life at Heritage Hall North in Agawam surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was the last child to be born at the family homestead at 369 Armory Street in the Hungry Hill section of Springfield on August 11, 1931, a beloved son of the late David M. O’Brien, Sr. and Bridget E. (O’Brien) O’Brien. He was raised in Springfield and graduated from Cathedral High School, Class of 1949. He furthered his education and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies, graduating Cum Laude in 1953 from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski Park, Vermont. He lived most of his life in Springfield until moving to Chicopee later in life. He was a Tax Auditor for 23 years with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and retired in 1998. He previously was employed with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and the Kaman Aerospace Corporation. Mr. O’Brien was a Gold Club Member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club and a 42 year member of the Glenwood Sportsman’s Club. He enjoyed playing cards, cheering on his New England sports teams, and spending time at O’Brien’s Corner to hang out with all the Hungry Hill residents. He was a communicant of Mary, Mother of Hope Church in East Springfield where he was a 22 year bingo worker and a member of the Men’s Club. He loved to listen to the Church Choir and in his later years was an Usher at the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass. In 1995, he was elated to have travelled to his beloved Ireland. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Marilyn F. (Sinell) O’Brien. They were married at the former Our Lady of Hope Church in East Springfield on August 29, 1959 and were blessed with over 61 years of happiness together. In addition to his wife, he leaves his loving daughter, Rosemary A. Gebo and her husband, Richard W. Gebo, Sr. of East Longmeadow; his loving son, Patrick J. O’Brien of Chicopee; his two cherished grandchildren, Richard W. “Ricky” Gebo, Jr. and Christina M. Gebo, both of East Longmeadow; his two dear sisters-in-law, Joan O’Brien of Williston, VT and Carol Schwamberger of Rochester, MN; and his many dear nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended family members. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved son, Richard F. O’Brien, Jr. who was Called Home on June 3, 2019; his three dear brothers, David O’Brien, Jr., Grover O’Brien, and Edward O’Brien, Sr.; and his two dear sisters, Marie Kennedy and Anna Sullivan. His family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Heritage Hall North for the care and compassion given to Richard. His funeral will be held on Monday, November 2, 2020 beginning at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 9:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104 (please note that masks are required, social distancing must be observed and funeral home and Church capacity are limited due to state regulations). His burial will follow the Mass at Hillcrest Park Cemetery, 895 Parker Street, Springfield, MA 01129. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave his family online condolences, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
