Cornelius L. 'Neil' O’Brien, a resident of Salem, New Hampshire, formerly of Medford MA, Kennebunkport ME and Naples Fl and beloved husband of the late Eleanor D. (Griffin) O’Brien, passed away at the Care One Nursing Center in Wilmington on Wednesday afternoon, December 28, 2022. He was 92 years old.
Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on November 9, 1930, he was the beloved son of the late Michael J. and Mary A. (O’Brien) O’Brien. Neil was a graduate of Medford High School and had attended Northeastern University. He was a US Air Force Korean veteran, entering the military at Boston on March 21, 1951 and received his Honorary Discharge from Point Mugu Naval Air Station in California on March 20, 1955. While in the military, Neil was assigned to the 3235th Drone Squadron. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his exemplary service. In civilian life, Neil was employed for over 30 years as a Custodian for the Medford Public School system. He was member of the American Legion Post 45 in Medford, MA.
In Neil’s spare time, he enjoyed fishing, woodworking and doing puzzles. He also loved to show his many card tricks and loved to go camping and traveling. Neil was a history buff and went to many yard sales and flea markets. He could fix anything. He will be dearly missed.
Neil is survived by his 20 nieces and nephews: the “big 20” Ann Marie, Theresa, Stephen, Maureen, Edward, Ellen, John, Rosemary, Catherine, Patricia, Joanne, Paula, Clare, Sharon, Mary B, Neil, Anne, Caroline, Gerard, Roisin and 20 great nieces and great nephews “the Minis” Michael OB, Ann Marie, Shauna, Molly, Kristen, Maria, Julia, Alex, Elizabeth, Brien, Catherine, MacKenzie, Liam, Aidan, Finbar, Declan, Michael, Maeve, Delia, and Aileen and one great-great-niece the “micro” Vivienne. He was also the loving brother of the late James, John, Francis, Leo and Mary and uncle of the late Michael J. O’Brien.
His funeral will be held from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, from 5 to 8 PM. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Donations in Neil’s memory may made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.