Francis R. "Obie" O'Brien

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Francis R. O’Brien, known to many as “Obie,” at the age of 90. A longtime resident of Brockton who spent the last 20 years in Plymouth, Francis was a true gentleman who touched countless lives with his kindness, empathy, and quick wit.

Francis was the eldest of five children born to Catherine and Francis E. “Pat” O’Brien. He attended Brockton schools and, during his high school years and beyond, worked at his father’s restaurant on the east side of Brockton, Pat’s Good Food. He later served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

After returning home, Francis married his childhood sweetheart and cherished wife of 54 years, Dorothy “Dot” M. (O’Connell) O’Brien who passed in 2013. Together they raised their sons, Shawn and Daniel.

After leaving Pat’s Good Food, Francis worked in the paper business at Century Paper Company and William House Envelope. Later, he returned to the restaurant business, opening Obie’s Fine Food on the east side of Brockton. Upon retiring, Francis and Dorothy moved to Plymouth.

In retirement, Francis found deep meaning in giving back. For more than 13 years, he volunteered at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, counseling oncology patients and offering steady comfort through some of life’s hardest moments. He later became an integral part of the hospital’s Religious Services Department and served as a Eucharistic minister, assisting patients and families during end-of-life care. His gentle presence, compassion, and quiet humor left a lasting impression on all who met him. Francis, who uplifted so many in times of need, demonstrated great dignity and grace in his own battle with cancer.

Francis is survived by his son Shawn O’Brien of Englewood, Colorado; his son Daniel O’Brien and his wife, Laura, of Pound Ridge, New York; and his beloved grandchildren, Emma Duncan (O’Brien) and her husband, Christian, of Rowayton, Connecticut, and Nolan O’Brien of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his sister Patricia “Patsy” (late David) LaCouture, his brothers David (Claire), John (late Kathleen), and James (Rita) O’Brien, along with extended family members and friends.

All are welcome to calling hours Tues. Jan. 27th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main St. Brockton and his funeral Mass Wed. Jan. 28th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 313 Court St. Plymouth. Private burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Beth Israel Deaconess–Plymouth, 275 Sandwich St. Plymouth MA 02360. 
 

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