Cape Coral, Fla. – Joseph L O’Brien, 79, of Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of Shrewsbury and Northborough, died at home Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, surrounded by his family, after his battle with cancer.
Born in Boston, he was the son of Cornelius W and Susan (Roberts) O’Brien. After graduating from Brighton High School, he joined the Army where he was a radio operator on Hill 659 in Germany.
He worked 30 years for the Shrewsbury Light Department as a lineman before retiring in 2000. He was made an honorary Girl Scout for his many years of being involved so heavily in his daughter's troops. He was a coach for his daughter's softball team in Shrewsbury for many years and loved being around his friends and family, especially being a Papa to his cherished grandchildren.
After retiring, he moved to Cape Coral, Fla., where he lived for the last 12 years. He enjoyed fishing and his time at the Cape Coral Yacht Club with his friends. He worked for the Boston Red Sox for the last 10 years, making many friends within the Red Sox community and looked forward to spring training every year.
He leaves his beloved wife of 31 years, Denise M (Plamondon) O’Brien, and eight children, Cindy, wife of Paul Zompetti, of Marlborough; Wendy, wife of James Blanchette, of Framingham; Robin, wife of Stephen Delin, of Bellingham; Joseph L O’Brien Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla.; Scott O’Brien and his wife, Raeanne, of Castle Rock, Co.; Joseph A O’Brien and his wife, Christine, of Douglas; Deanne O’Brien of Cape Coral, Fla.; and Jennifer, wife of Matthew Angelo, of San Jose, Ca. He also leaves his honorary daughter, Jodi Hopkins of Sandwich, and14 grandchildren, Bridgette, Julia, Jessica, Taylor, Mackenzie, Brooke, Brennan, Staci, Joshua, Logan, Melissa, Marcus, Kaius, and Abby, as well as a sister, Constance Hight of Indianapolis, Ind.; two brothers, Cornelius W (Bill) O’Brien of Middleboro and Donald O’Brien of Tampa, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mr. O”Brien's family Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 4 – 7 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. His funeral will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22, from the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
