Bill O'Brien

William J. “Bill” O’Brien, 84, died peacefully and surrounded by his family’s love on November 30, 2015. Bill was born on January 13, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, the youngest of four sons born to Thomas F. and Anna L. (Ostergren) O’Brien. He grew up in Brooklyn, NY, where he and his brothers were doted on by his father’s three sisters, known to this day among the family as “the aunts.” He attended Brooklyn Preparatory, graduated in 1948, and served in the Army at Fort Dix, NJ, from 1951 through 1954. Bill fell in love with Janet Ann Larson of Fairfield, CT, and they married on September 6, 1952 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Fairfield. In 1957, they settled in West Hartford, CT, which would be their home for the next 55 years. There, they raised eight children and grew in their love for each other and for their church. Bill’s Catholic faith was very dear to him and a source of strength, solace, and guidance. Bill drove a bakery truck for 10 years and then he turned a favorite hobby – photography – into a decades long career. If you attended school in Connecticut from the mid-60s through the early 80s, chances are Bill took your picture. He was a school photographer for T.D. Brown and later as a franchisee of Alston. He also freelanced, mainly shooting weddings, and later opened a photo shop on Franklin Ave in Hartford. He retired at 62 and spent the next 15 years having a blast as a part time black jack dealer at Foxwoods. Not quite done, he then joined his wife working at Today’s American Catholic, a non-profit publication. Bill enjoyed exploring our corner of the world, taking the family on jaunts to New York City, Washington, DC, and historical sights both popular and remote. Time spent every summer at Lake Deering, NH, was most treasured. As the kids grew up and moved on, he and Janet expanded their travels to include trips to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. Those who knew Bill will remember him as a family man, a UConn Huskies fan, and a history buff. He had a dry, sharp wit and liked games and gambling a little. Bill was also a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, although no one seemed to know why. Bill is survived by his wife, Janet, his children Eileen O’Brien of Baltimore, MD; William, Jr and wife Christiane O’Brien of Manchester, CT; Patricia O’Brien of Dundee, MI; Richard and wife Lynne O’Brien of New Boston, NH; Timothy and wife Eva O’Brien of W Granby, CT; Joan O’Brien of Myrtle Beach, SC; Margaret O’Brien of Avon, CT; Mary and husband Christopher Keller of W Hartford, CT; sisters-in-law Lucille O’Brien of Pittsfield, MA and Mary O’Brien (David) Fritz of Lewes, DE; grandchildren Daniel, Tyler, Charles, and Thomas O’Brien, Tim, Andrew, and Katherine Drummond, Cassella (Doug) Clark, Michael and Sarah Boggio, William, Matthew, and Emma Keller, step grandchildren Erica Smith and Hilary Winiarski, great grandchildren Timmy and Mckenzie (and one on the way!), and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alfred G., in childhood, Paul E., and Thomas F., and aunts Pauline, Cassella, and Marion O’Brien. The family would like to thank his oncologist, Dr. Alessia Donadio, and the entire staff at St. Francis Hospital Cancer Center for their outstanding and compassionate care. A special thanks also to nurse Cynthia Nyarko of Masonicare Hospice and to Bill’s niece and dear friend, Betty Stone. Friends may call at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06119 on Friday, December 4, 2015, from 4 to 7 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Patrick Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 285 Church St, Hartford, CT 06103 on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10 am. Interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Bill would be honored to be remembered with a gift to Today's American Catholic, 270 Farmington Ave Suite 306H, Farmington, CT 06032.

Bill O'Brien

January 13, 1931 - November 30, 2015