William D. O'Brien, 78, was born In New Bedford, MA and passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bill took on a courageous fight over the past year and did it with grace, grit and the occasional bit of whiskey.
The son of the late William D. O’Brien, Sr., he lived in New Bedford for most of his life and was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, Class of 1960.
Bill was married to Elizabeth M. (Mailhot) O’Brien for 43 years and they were known for St. Patrick’s Day on Carroll Street, Christmas Eve Open Houses, and embracing all things New Bedford.
Bill, affectionately referred to as "Obie" to close friends, was a long-time member and Past President of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. He was a sports enthusiast dating back to his days with the Livesey Club and the Fairhaven Varsity Club. Bill dedicated 46 years of fall nights and weekends to high school football refereeing and enjoyed spending time on the golf course. He was also a fixture on many a ball field over the years, cheering on the grandkids during softball, soccer, and baseball games.
Bill served honorably in the United States Navy for four years. He then spent the remainder of his career (38 years) with Verizon.
Bill is infamously known for his blue eyes, his kind heart, and being the life of the party.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; three sons. Patrick L. O’Brien and his wife Bonita of Elizabeth City, NC, Timothy S. O’Brien and his wife Holly of Chicago, IL, and Christopher J. Dextradeur and his wife Melissa of Marion, MA; five grandchildren, Cullen, Erin, and Regan O’Brien, Courtney and Nicholas Dextradeur. a niece, Tammy Williams; and a nephew, Thomas Gomes.
He was the father of the late Michael W. O’Brien, grandfather of the late Britney Dextradeur, and brother of the late Kathleen Gomes.
Bill cherished family, friends, and love & laughter. He was rich with friendships and he lived a full life. His legacy lives on.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday September 19, 2019 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 10 AM. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday September 18, 2019 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 4021, New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.