Joseph J. O'brien

Newburyport, MA: Joseph J. O'Brien, 93, of Newburyport and formerly of Haverhill, MA passed away on January 19, 2014 after a short period of failing health.

Born in Somerville, MA on July 29, 1920, son of the late Joseph and Helen G. (Nash) O'Brien, Joe graduated from Somerville High School with the Class of 1940. In 1959 Joe and his family moved to Fremont, NH, and remained in the Hampstead/Exeter area until moving to Haverhill, MA twelve years ago.

A wounded WWII veteran, Mr. O'Brien served under General George Patton in North Africa and in the Invasion of Sicily.

A man of many talents, Joe worked as a salesman, machinist, watchmaker, dairy farmer, and pipe fitter at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Shop 56, from which he retired. He was a proud member of the Charles C. Dame Masonic Lodge in Georgetown, MA.

His greatest joys were family, music, playing golf, and ballroom dancing. Joe will be remembered for his never ending humor, always having a joke to share.

He was predeceased by his wife of fifty-three years who died in 1997, Evelyn (Lewis) O'Brien and is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Marge O'Brien of Hampstead, a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Wayne St. Hilaire of Brentwood, grandchildren, Sean O'Brien, Dan O'Brien, Dr. Cynthia St. Hilaire, and Michelle Williams, and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind his best friend and partner whom he loved dearly, Mary Moughan of Haverhill, MA.

Joe will be sadly missed by all.

Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. His funeral service will follow at 4:15 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will take place in the spring in West Hampstead Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local food pantry. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.brooksidechapelfh.com.