John J. O'Brien

Whitinsville - John J. O’Brien, 95, of Chestnut St., Whitinsville, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 after a brief illness. 

He was the son of the late John F. and Ella (Hickey) O’Brien. He was the brother of the late William F. O’Brien, James R. O’Brien, M. Helen Buckley, Elizabeth M. Morin, Margaret T. Maher and infant Anna O’Brien. Born in Whitinsville, MA on March 4, 1928, he was a lifelong resident of Whitinsville. 

He is survived by 12 nieces and nephews including John “OB” O’Brien, Godson James O’Brien, David O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien, Kathleen (O’Brien) Morrissey, Maureen (O’Brien) Hughes, Albert “Buster” Morin Jr., Patricia (Morin) Robinson, John Morin, Peggy (Maher) Soullier, James Maher, Michael Buckley and his sister-in-law Mary Jane (Woodward) O’Brien. He was predeceased by nephews Danny Maher and Fr. Denis J. O’Brien.  

Mr. O’Brien worked as a machinist at Whitin Machine Works for 25 years. He then became a Letter Carrier in Framingham for the U.S. Post Office for 30 years, retiring in 1994. He was educated in the Northbridge school system and was a WWII US Army Veteran serving in Pensacola, FL.  

He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church, serving on many committees and attending Mass on Saturday evenings where he passed the collection basket.  A member of Mumford Council 365 Knights of Columbus for 72 years, he was a past Grand Knight and belonged to their Fourth Degree 1924 John Cardinal Wright Assembly. He loved bowling and was a member of the Sparetime Bowling League called "The Keggers". He was a member of the Whitinsville Community Center where he exercised regularly for over 50 years. He enjoyed playing golf and was a founding member of the Whitinsville Golf Club. A true gentleman, John had a nice sense of humor, was social and enjoyed family get-togethers over the years.  

Calling hours will be held in at St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross St., Whitinsville, on Tuesday, May 9 at 10:00 AM and his Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. For those who cannot attend, John's funeral will also be live streamed. To watch please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/QAg3tl-tP7M?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diocese of Worcester Retired Priests Fund, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA  01609-2597 or https://worcesterdiocese.org/retirement-fund-for-religious-donations. To leave a condolence message for his family please visit www.jackmanfuneralhomes.com 

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