William J. O’Brien age 89 of Canton and Falmouth passed away October 11th at the Falmouth Hospital following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Nathalie M. (Sweeney) for 54 years and together they raised six children. Born in S. Boston he was raised in Milton and graduated from Milton High School in 1939. He was a decorated US Army Veteran of WW II where he served as an Artilleryman with the US Army 7th Inf. Division throughout the Pacific Theatre. Following the war, Mr. O’Brien attended Boston University on the GI Bill and entered the Insurance business. He was the Owner and President of The William J. O’Brien Insurance Agency in Canton for over 50 years. He was an active member of the community serving on the Canton Town Finance & School Committees. He was also an active parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church where he was a member & past president of the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus and the St. John’s School Assn. Father of William J. III & his wife Barbara of MD, Michael J. & his wife Susan of W. Falmouth, Gerard C. & his wife Susan of W. Roxbury, Christopher J. & his wife Marykate of Mashpee, Anne Marie Gluck & her husband David of Needham and Patrick J. & his wife Patricia of RI. He is also survived by his brother, Robert J. O’Brien of Canton, 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The legacy that he leaves his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is one of family first and a strong work ethic. He will forever be remembered for the wonderful example that he set for his family. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Sunday 3-7 pm. Funeral mass at St. John the Evangelist Church Canton Monday morning at 10:30. Interment VA National Cemetery Bourne Monday at 1:30 pm. Donations may be made in his memory to the St. John School Foundation Box 604 Canton, MA 02021.