William Edward O’Brien

It is with profound and heartbreaking sadness to announce the passing of William Edward O’Brien, lovingly known as “Bill”, on March 2, 2022, at the age of 76.  He battled a fierce and courageous war against cancer.  His fearless determination to defy the odds made him victorious against this insidious disease.  He had been in remission for the last 4 years, however in the end the disease had ravished his body causing residual health issues which he eventually succumbed to.

Bill was welcomed into the world on July 7, 1945, in South Boston by his parents Catherine (Hunter) and Arthur O’Brien.  He was also welcomed by his adoring older sister and brother, Kathleen and Robert, lovingly known as “Bobby”. Throughout the course of their lives, they have always been the “three musketeers”.  They have been a force not to reckon with and loved one another with every inch of their being.

Bill was a graduate of Charlestown High School.  After graduating he continued his education in the Electrical Trades where he excelled, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA and later became a Master Electrician in the IBEW Local 103 Union.  He later went on to become an executive at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (M.B.T.A) where he investigated the train derailments.  However, he still had a love for the Electrical Field. He found his second calling in teaching.  He taught the Electrical Apprenticeship Program at the IBEW Local 103 Union Hall for a number of years.

In his early years, Bill was an avid boxer and singer.  His love of music and singing started at the Gate of Heaven Church singing in the choir.  He did several singing events throughout the course of his younger years.  His passion for singing and harmonizing stayed with him through most of his life until his bout with cancer.  When he lost the ability to continue singing.  He had an incredible affinity for animals. He never met a dog or cat that he didn’t love.

In 1967, he met his first love, Roberta (Esdale) O’Brien.  They went on to marry and have three beautiful girls, Denise, Michelle and Christine.  His daughters were his everything.  They were and always will be one of his greatest achievements.  He instilled strong values, integrity, and family traditions.  Family was everything to him.  They were his entire world.  After 32 years of marriage Roberta and Bill divorced, however they remained friends and had a deep love and respect for one another.

In 2011, he married his second love, his wife Kathy.  His marriage to Kathy gave him a new lease on love in his later years.  She has been his life partner for the last 10 ½ years.  During that time, they shared moments filled with love and laughter.  He had the added bonus of a step-daughter, Nicole.  Nicole and her beloved sons Kaleb and Nolan brought such great joy to him.  He finally achieved his dream of having “boys”.  He enjoyed making memories with them.

Bill was loved by all who knew him.  He had a vivacious personality with a big warm smile that would light up his face.  His hugs would engulf you.  He was the unsung hero who would help anyone in need.  He would gratefully give you the shirt off his back if you needed it more than him.  He never forgot where he came from and always believed your word means everything.  He will be dearly missed. We will carry him in our hearts each and every day.Bill was blessed to have a lifelong childhood friend Tommy Lentini, who he lovingly called “Nuke”. They were the best of friends for the last 71 years.  Their friendship has stood the test of time.  The bond they shared was truly rare.  Bill was blessed beyond measure by his friendship with Tommy.  He forever cherished their many adventures, milestones they shared and many moments that became cherished memories.

In addition to his wife Kathy, he is survived by his daughter, Denise O’Brien of Weymouth, Michelle and Robert Caruso of Mills River, North Carolina, Christine O’Brien and her partner Scott McLane of Bridgewater, and his step-daughter Nicole and Michael Lynch of Holbrook.  He is also survived by his beloved sister Kathleen Belmonte and her late husband Pete of Quincy.  Loving brother Robert Holland and his husband James Sellers of Quincy. Loving grandfather to his grandchildren Shelby and Christina Caruso of Mills River, North Carolina, Molly and Tyler Scott of Mills River, North Carolina, Kaleb Lynch and Nolan Lynch of Holbrook and his great-grandson Tyler Joseph Scott, Jr. of Mills River, North Carolina.  He was predeceased by his granddaughter Emma Olivia Caruso.  Loving Uncle to his beloved niece and goddaughter Lisa Belmonte of Quincy, loving nephew and godson Peter V. Belmonte III and his wife Sharon of Plymouth and loving nephew Michael J. Belmonte and his fiancée Christin Donovan of Plymouth.  Loving Great Uncle to Michael J. Belmonte, Jr., Sean C. Belmonte and Amanda Belmonte all of Rockland. His beloved “fur baby” his cat, “Mr. Magoo” and many nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends.”

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Sunday 2-6 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 8:45 AM on Monday prior to the Funeral Mass in Gate of Heaven Catholic Church, South Boston, at 10 AM. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association and Angell Memorial Animal Hospital.