Arthur Roy O’Brien, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered peacefully into eternal rest at his home on June 1, 2025.
Roy was born in Cambridge on July 6, 1951, a son of the late Catherine T. (Welsh) O’Brien and Martin J. O’Brien Sr. He was raised in Charlestown, where he was educated at St. Francis de Sales Parochial School and graduated from Charlestown High School. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Garvin and started a family. For over 30 years, he worked at US Foods in Everett and was a member of Teamsters Local #25.
Roy led a very active life. An avid runner and walker, he was often seen by friends looping the town on foot and fulfilled a great life goal by finishing the Boston Marathon. Always up for an adventure, Roy hiked the formidable Mt Rainer in Washington State under conditions that sent most of the climbing party back to camp. A world traveler, Roy and Sherry have stamps in their passports from many European cities and the Caribbean, especially from Aruba – their personal favorite. Despite his travels, Roy took great pride in his town. He loved to see his great friends still in the neighborhood and of course, Roy loved the time he could spend with his large and devoted family. He was a retired member of the Teamsters Local #25, the Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association, and the Halligan Club.
Roy is the beloved son of the late Catherine and Marty O’Brien. He is loving husband of 54 years of Cheryl (Garvin) O’Brien. He is the father of Christopher O’Brien and his wife Rebecca, and Jolie (O’Brien) Warren and her husband Matthew. Roy is a grandfather to four: Liam and Declan Warren and Quinn and Kendall O’Brien. He is the beloved brother of Marty O’Brien Jr. and his wife Lila Mellen, Tommy O’Brien, Danny O’Brien and his wife Joan, Catherine O’Brien and her late husband Bobby Clough, Pauline O’Brien and her companion Louie Nadeau, AnnMarie Kelly and her husband Kevin, Michelle O’Brien and Paul O’Brien. Roy is preceded into eternal life by his brother James O’Brien. Roy is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews and extended family both close by and far away.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Roy’s Funeral on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. His burial will be private. His visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 3 P.M. to 6 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Roy’s name to:
Charlestown Boys and Girls Club
15 Green St.
Charlestown, MA 02129