O’BRIEN, John E. of South Harwich formerly of Norwood died on December 17 at the age of 84. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Rosemary Dunn of Dedham and his brother James of Portsmouth RI. Mr. O’Brien is survived by his daughter Myanna Carbin-O’Brien and her wife Christine and his grandchildren Jacob, Lucas, and Klare all from Holyoke, and great-grandson Vicente, his son John Edward from South Harwich, his sister Mary Ellen and her husband Paul Provencher of Walpole. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews.
Mr. O’Brien was a graduate of Norwood High School and Boston College where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education. He was also a participant in a multi year symposium at Oxford University, England. Subsequently he wrote the curriculum for courses on Science and Religion as well as Darwin and Evolution at Massasoit Community College, Brockton, where he completed his teaching career.
Mr. O’Brien served in the U.S. Army (Judge Advocate General) for two years and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve for four additional years.
Mr. O’Brien was active in local politics serving as an elected member of several municipal boards and committees in the towns of Norwood and Harwich. He was known for his sense of humor and his cole slaw.
Along with his wife Rosemary he was involved in the Democratic Party and both were fervent Members of Red Sox Nation.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham on Wednesday, Dec. 22 from 4-7pm. His funeral will take place from the funeral home on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Masks are required. Private interment in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham,
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John’s memory to Hands of Hope Outreach Food Pantry, 49 Rt. 28, West Harwich, MA 02671