Fred “Bump” O’Brien

O’Brien, Frederick T., Jr. of Weymouth passed from this life on Sunday, October 15, 2023. He spent his final few days sharing laughter, love, and tears of both sadness and joy with his eight children and his life-long love, Suzanne. 

Born in Boston in 1939, Fred was one of nine children of Frederick O’Brien, Sr., and Mary (Foley) O’Brien. The first boy in the family he quickly became known to his siblings as “Brother,” just one of many nicknames he would have through his nearly 84 years. From the start, Fred was always full of life and enjoyed a bit of mischief. He was quick with a story from his youth from swimming to sledding – there was a (tall) tale for all seasons. 

One day a boy met a girl and a lifetime unfolded. Fred met Sue (three years his junior) and it was love at first sight… at least for him. ;) They dated and after a stint in the Navy (lots of stories there too) they were married and have been together since 1962. A family was quickly started and quickly grew causing Fred and Sue to move from one small house, to a mid-size house, until finally finding the perfect home in 1971 – still the family gathering spot. 

“OBie” supported his family as a union boilermaker (Local 29) and often worked long shifts and sometimes far away. But he and Sue made it work and there was never a want for anything of import in the O’Brien enclave. Fred loved the job. He loved the camaraderie, the building and the making, the unique challenges and the satisfaction of hard work. He backed the union and was a proud member of the working class. The highlight of his career came ironically, but to those who knew him, unsurprisingly, after his one-man strike. Once settled, Boston Edison offered him a never-before-seen position as Shop Steward for all the trades. In this role held for more than a dozen years, Fred earned the ire of many (white hats and workers alike) but the respect of all. He made decisions that he felt were right and balanced the interests of the crews fairly with those of management. “I didn’t always agree with him but I always respected him”, was a common refrain when friends (or enemies) spoke of him. 

Children turned into grandchildren (25!) and Dad turned into “Bump”. Bamma and Bump took on new roles and a whole new life which they cherished. Seeing each of their children marry and start their own families brought great joy and memories for dozens of lifetimes. When he retired, Fred was often driving this grandkid here or there or running this or that errand earning him yet another nickname: “FredEx”. Yes, he and Sue enjoyed many fun times on their boat – “Bumpin’ Along” – and at B dock where everybody knew their names, but it was time with family that filled their hearts and their days. Grandchildren turned into great-grandchildren (4 so far). More smiles, more laughter, more love. 

We may have said goodbye to Fred, to Dad, to Bump but he will always be with us. In every bad joke or quick zing; in every argument because he loved to take both sides; watching every Patriots game; and when we’re in the “pool yard” or “out the garage”; or when we just need to say “Hey, Bump”. 

Loved by all because Frederick T. O’Brien, Jr., devoted husband, amazing father/grandfather/great-grandfather, hard worker, and story teller had a way of making you feel like you are “one of us”. 

Beloved husband of Suzanne of Weymouth and devoted father of Kerry Kelly (Pete) of Weymouth, Corinne Wright (Bob) of Weymouth, Shawn O’Brien (Karen) of Brewster, Kevin O’Brien of Hingham (Danielle, Jennifer), Erin Cobb (Dan) of Pembroke, Daniel O’Brien (Erin) of Weymouth, Bridget O’Brien (George) of Weymouth, and Caitlin Babin (Jeremy) of Weymouth. Cherished “Bump” of 25 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Also survived by his siblings Jean McSherry, Joan Ellsworth, Kevan O’Brien, Elaine MacKay, and Noreen Allison. Predeceased by his sister Betty Bybel and brothers Michael O’Brien and Dennis O’Brien.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Saturday 10 AM-12 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home NORTH WEYMOUTH at 40 Sea Street (off Route 3A – Bicknell Square). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Fred to a charity of your choice.

Bump and all of us wish to express our sincerest gratitude to the many wonderful, dedicated, talented, and compassionate caregivers who made these last years not only possible but full of life.