WORCESTER-Joseph M. O’Brien, 68, of 65 Lake Ave., died Thursday, August 28th at home. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Patricia A. (Guerin) O’Brien. He leaves 3 daughters, Eileen O’Brien and Roberta O’Brien both of Worcester and Joanne Rietta of CA; 2 sons, Michael and Kevin O’Brien both of Worcester; 3 step-children, Melinda Taylor, Lisa Cotter and Richard Miller all of Worcester; a brother, Vincent O’Brien of FL; several nieces and nephews. P’Joe was deeply loved by his ten grandchildren. He is survived by and the devoted son of Eileen (Menton) O’Brien and predeceased by his father, Vincent T. O’Brien.
Mr. O’Brien was born and raised in Bayonne, NJ and graduated from Assumption College. He was an educator for the Worcester Public School System and Assumption College and was the head basketball coach for Assumption College from 1967-1985. Joseph’s accomplishments include being named New England College Division’s coach of the year three times, becoming the executive director for the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985 and its president/CEO in 1993, he was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Springfield Riverfront Development and the “New” Basketball Hall of Fame and recently was awarded the prestigious John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the game of basketball.
The funeral services are private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Down Syndrome Society, 666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is directing arrangements.