O’BRIEN, Francis W. Age 91, a lifelong resident of Dedham and former Norfolk County Commissioner, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband for 66 years of the late Nancy (Kennedy) O’Brien. Loving father of Francis M. O’Brien and his wife Mariann of Canton, Jacqueline A. Conley and her husband Kevin of Dedham, Cynthia A. Glennon and her husband Thomas of Dedham and the late Marlene M. McLeish and her surviving husband Paul of Westwood. Loving grandfather of David, William, Jeffrey, Gregory, Amanda, Patrick, and Sean and great grandfather of Annabelle, Sophia, Evan, and Aiden. Predeceased by his brothers, John and Joseph O’Brien and his sisters, Mary Geary, Margaret Weir, Helen Gruberski, and Catherine Spada. Brother-in-law of Mary Donovan and Carol O’Brien both of Dedham. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their families.
Fran was born in East Dedham to the late John and Annie (Fitzhenry) O’Brien. Raised during the beginning of the Great Depression, Fran and his family faced many challenging issues. Despite facing difficult economic times, Fran and his family overcame many obstacles by relying on each other. The love, support and closeness that they developed for each other during those early years became obvious throughout their lives. The loyalty and dedication they had for each other was unsurpassed and an example for their families to follow. It was during these years that Fran developed the drive, compassion and resolve to serve his community and help those in need that would characterize his life.
Fran was a proud graduate of Dedham High School, Class of 1949, where he excelled in football, hockey and baseball. In 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Kennedy and soon after he enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his discharge in 1953, Fran embarked on a life based on family, work and community service. Fran and Nancy settled in Dedham where they raised their four children. Following a brief stint delivering oil and working as a milkman for Whiting Milk Co., Fran joined the Dedham Fire Department in 1956 and proudly served until 1968. One of the proudest moments of his life occurred when he raced into the second floor of a burning apartment building and rescued a young boy. Fran was also the owner for many years of O’Bie’s Variety Store in East Dedham. In 1968, Fran joined the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as a Liaison Officer for Governmental Affairs, where he worked for 23 years, retiring in 1991.
Second to his family, Fran’s passion was his 65 year involvement in community and public affairs. Beginning in the mid 1950’s, Fran was a 5 term president of the East Dedham Improvement and Athletic Club and later served as a Dedham Town Meeting Member, a member of the Parks and Recreation Dept, a 13 year member and former Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, a member of the Board of Assessors, a member of the Dedham Democratic Town Committee and a member of the Charter Commission. In 2002, Fran was appointed, then in 2004, elected, as a Norfolk County Commissioner, a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in January, 2021. In 2002, Fran received the high honor of having the Selectmen's meeting room in the Dedham Town Hall named the ‘Francis W. O’Brien Meeting Room.’ In addition, he was the recipient of numerous awards and citations acknowledging his many contributions to the community.
Fran was an energetic supporter of many groups and organizations. Among them was his dedication to the needs of veterans and being a proud Life Member of the American Legion Post 18 in Dedham. He was also a passionate supporter of Dedham’s senior citizens and a former organizer of Dedham’s Annual Over 90’s Party. Fran was a former sponsor of youth athletic teams as well as an organizer in celebrating the achievements of various high school and youth teams. He was a long time chairman of Dedham’s Fourth of July parade and fireworks during the 1960’s. In addition, he was the toastmaster of a countless number of testimonials, banquets and retirement parties.
Fran experienced great joy and satisfaction in helping others. He was known as a man who got things done and refused to take no for an answer. If he couldn’t help a person in need or solve a problem, he would find the person who could.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons, Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St. Dedham, on Friday, April 30, 9AM, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Dedham at 10AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours at the funeral home on Thursday, April 29th, from 4-8PM. Interment in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Francis’ memory to the Deirdre Spada Benefit Fund, 23 Fremont St., Plymouth, MA 02036.