James Robert “Bob” O'Brien passed away peacefully at the Winchester Hospital on Thursday evening, February 27th. He was 87. Raised in Malden, Bob was the son of the late James Robert and Katherine (Green) O'Brien.
Bob attended Northeastern University and graduated from Boston University, where he earned his business degree. He served in the US Army for four years during the Vietnam War. Bob enjoyed a long and successful career with Sears and Roebuck. He worked with the company in Pennsylvania for several years before moving to Marshfield and eventually settling back in Medford. He managed the Boston warehouse before his retirement from Sears. In addition to his work with Sears, Bob was a building contractor for several years and sold insurance for 35 years. He was a devoted family man who was generous and accommodating. An avid reader and life-long Red Sox fan, Bob enjoyed time with family and friends, but most especially his granddaughter, Samantha.
The beloved husband of Rose Marie (Vella) O’Brien with whom he shared 59 years of marriage, Bob was a devoted father to Keith O’Brien and his wife Marilyn and the late Jim O’Brien and his surviving wife Terri and her husband Denis Dupuis. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Samantha. The dear brother of Gerry Murphy and her late husband Bob, Barry O’Brien and his late wife Carol, Ed O’Brien and his husband Jim Rich, and the late Richard and Stephen O’Brien, Bob was a dear brother-in-law to the late Louis Vella and his surviving wife Carol. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Wednesday, March 5th from 10 AM - 12 Noon, followed by a service in the funeral home at Noon. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to a charity of One’s choice.