John Eugene O’Brien, 81, of Housatonic died Friday, November 4, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Richmond, Mass., on January 27, 1935, son of Eugene and Nora (Blake) O’Brien.
John was a graduate of the former Searles High School. He worked for Thomas Palmer Lumber Co. in Great Barrington as a truck driver, in the maintenance department at Bard College at Simons Rock College where he received an award for 20 years of loyalty and service, and as a custodian at Monument Mountain Regional High School and the former Searles High School.
He enjoyed fishing and sports especially Boston sports teams, watching the birds, playing the lottery and spending time with his family and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rosalie (Powell) O’Brien whom he married on September 5, 1959 in the former All Saints Church in Housatonic; three daughters, Elizabeth and husband Michael Scutieri of Pittsfield, JoAnn Valenti and husband Angelo of Housatonic and Diane Martin and partner Joseph Murray of Bristol, Conn.; two sisters, Jean Davis of Stockbridge and Edna Mead of Great Barrington; five grandchildren, Justin and wife Brittany, Taryn and partner Gina, Anthony and partner Ciera, Hannah and Danielle; five great grandchildren, Wade, Jody, Katie, Sophie and Nick; 12 nieces, 13 nephews and longtime close family friend Celia Armstrong. John was predeceased by one sister, Eleanor Tarnawa, one half-brother, William Winters and four half-sisters, Nellie Thorpe, Ruth Warfield, Edith Moro and Bertha Moro.
Funeral Services for John Eugene O’Brien will be held on Thursday November 10 at 10 a.m. with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Church, at Corpus Christi Parish with the Rev. William P. Murphy, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Saint Bridget’s Cemetery in Housatonic. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington MA 01230. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in John’s memory may be made to either Hospice Care in the Berkshires, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Saint Teresa of Calcutta Building Fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
