SPRINGFIELD ~ William F. O’Brien, 93, of the Hungry Hill section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Saturday, February 9, 2019. He passed into Eternal Life at the Jewish Nursing Home of Western Mass in Longmeadow surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. He was born in Holyoke on July 11, 1925, the beloved son of the late Walter T. and Helen T. (Shea) O’Brien. He was raised in Springfield, graduated from the former Springfield Trade High School and was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He furthered his education and attended the University of North Carolina. He served his country in the United States Army Air Corps as a nose gunner on a B-24 Liberator during World War II and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in the battles of North Apennines, Rhineland, Air Combat Balkans, Po Valley and Central Europe. He received the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with Five Bronze Stars, the American Theater Ribbon, the Distinguished Unit Medal, the Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon returning to Springfield, he established his own business and was the owner and operator of the former Monogram Press Company on Hampden Street in Springfield. As a seasoned outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing including his many hunting trips to Wyoming with his sons and friends. He ran his favorite English Setters in many bird dog field trials and won numerous trophies. At home, he enjoyed gardening. He was also a founding member of the Post 430 Sportsmen’s Club in Brimfield. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Margaret H. “Hilda” (Masko) O’Brien who was Called Home on July 31, 2006. He leaves his four loving children, William M. O’Brien of Harwich Port, Carol L. O’Brien of Westhampton, Edward F. O’Brien of Montgomery and James F. O’Brien of Springfield; his two cherished grandchildren, Keri Lynn O’Brien and Michael A. O’Brien; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the O’Brien and Masko families. His Committal Service with United States Air Force Military Honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at the convenience of his family. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com