William Patrick O’Brien of Roslindale passed into eternal life on November 3, 2020 after a brief, yet courageous fight with cancer. Born and raised in Gurranabraher, Cork City, Ireland to Michael and Mary. He immigrated to the US in 1955. He joined the US Army and was proud to be an American.
One night in 1957, he went to an Irish dance with his friends at the Intercolonial Hall in Roxbury, where he met the love of his life, Mary Walsh of Roslindale. They married on June 17, 1961 and spent 59 wonderful and loving years of marriage together raising their 5 children.
Bill was a tireless worker and supporter of his family and he eventually retired from the City of Boston Transportation Dept.
Bill was a devout Catholic. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish in Roslindale for 59 years, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, usher. and often delivered communion to the sick. When confirmed in Ireland, Bill made a commitment to God to be a member of the Pioneer Association.
He was known as a volunteer in the community and served many different organizations including Past Grand Knight of the JJ Williams K of C #1308, Sacred Heart Home and School Assoc, Saint Vincent DePaul Society, Holy Name Society.
Bill was committed to his family, faith, work. He also had a passion for sports. He loved watching his children and grandchildren competing. He grew up playing Hurling and Gaelic Football for St. Vincent’s, Cork Young Irelands and Cork Football. His team won the Munster Junior Hurling Championship, an accomplishment of which he was proud. He coached Hyde Park Pop Warner football and was a long-time coach for Hyde Park Youth Hockey, where he also served as President. Although he never played hockey, he went on to coach hundreds of young men, most of whom still enjoy the game today. He was also, President of United Soccer Club, a member at George Wright Golf Course and Dedham RMC Golf.
Finally, we would be remiss if we did not mention that he was an avid lover of his meticulously manicured lawn and relished his yearly winter battle to vanquish every last snowflake from the sidewalks of Delano Park.
In addition to his loving wife Mary, Bill leaves his 5 children, Bill (Lisa) of West Roxbury, Anne Marie of Roslindale, Paul (Diane Morrissey), Chris (Shelagh) of Milton and Michelle (John) Davey of Roslindale. His 9 grandchildren Billy, Nora Kate, Jack, Ciara, Thomas, Bridget, Mairead, Braeden and Patrick. Siblings Peggy Kelly and late husband Timmy of Dorchester, Sister Mary Damien O’Brien OP of England, Michael O’Brien and Moira O’Dwyer both of Brockton and his cousin Margaret Finnegan of Ireland. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday Nov. 8th from 3:00 – 7:00 in the Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning Nov. 9th at 11:00 in Sacred Heart Church, Roslindale. (COVID-19 guidelines will be followed at both the funeral home and church.) Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to Sacred Heart Church Memorial Fund, 169 Cummins Highway, Roslindale, MA 02131.
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