John F. "Jack" - "OBie" O'Brien, age 69 of Fort Myers, FL, passed away on August 20, 2016 after surgeries and several months of hospitalizations.

Jack grew up in Medford MA, where he established many long time friendships. He enlisted in the Army Reserve and served for 6 years. Volunteering to coach for Pop Warner football set the foundation of giving back to the community, and playing in softball leagues, offered the enjoyment of participating in sports.

After high school he was hired by Polaroid Corp in an entry level position. He enrolled in college at night and advanced from supervisory positions in manufacturing, to Marketing and Sales in the business division, until reaching Director of Operations for Asia Pacific. Three degrees were earned while attending night school at Northeastern University and it was a very proud moment in 1983 when Jack received his Executive MBA degree.

For over 35 years he enjoyed travel throughout the United States, UK, Europe, and Asia. He had become President of The American Robotics Association through the expanded applications of sensors. His personality and wit were appreciated by many all over the world. When he and his family moved to Reading MA he continued to be involved in the community through the men's softball league and the Reading JayCees. He then took up golf, which offered challenges to improve his handicap and more opportunities to live life to the fullest. Jack golfed at Hillview CC in No Reading, and worked part time in the Pro shop and did the same at Fiddlesticks CC in Fort Myers, both offered the perfect balance to distribute time for family, fun, and work during retirement.

Twelve years ago he and his wife came to Legends Golf and CC in Fort Myers where they enjoyed meeting new friends and embracing new opportunities. Jack continued his community involvement by organizing golf teams with his friends, volunteering on many committees, becoming President of the Huntington I Association and 4 years ago being elected to the Master Board of Legends G and CC. as Vice President and Trustee. Jack absolutely loved The Legends, the people, the place, and the time allowed to reflect on how incredibly blessed he was.

He was married to his devoted wife Betty, for over 49 years, had 3 wonderful children that he was so very proud of, and he was a loving Grandfather to his 6 treasured grandchildren: Thomas, Stephen and Andrew, sons of Sean and Sheila O'Brien of Westford; Jake and Lyndsay Currier of Melrose, children of Cheryl O'Brien; and Ava, daughter of Denise O'Brien of Ft. Myers, Florida. They were the center of his heart. He was "Uncle Jackie" to many beloved nieces and nephews and "OBie" to cousins, and old friends.
Jack was the son of the late Joseph C. and Catherine L. O'Brien Sr. and loving brother of the late Joseph C. Jr.

Dedicated, devoted, loyal, honest, funny, sharp and sincere best describe him; he will leave a profound void. His positive approach and 'wicked' sense of humor captivated so many people throughout his life. We know he was welcomed into Heaven, and is watching, guiding, and probably sharing anecdotes in his usual amusing manner.

Funeral Arrangements are with the Douglass Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. Reading, MA. Calling hours will be Friday September 9, 2016 from 3PM to 7PM.Funeral Mass will be held at St Athanasius Catholic Church, 300 Haverhill St, Reading MA on Saturday, Sept 10, 2016 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Jack's memory, to the Ava O'Brien donation account by Elizabeth O'Brien/Trustee c/o JP Morgan Chase 6870 Daniels Pkwy Ft. Meyers, FL 33912. Jack had a very special bond with his youngest granddaughter Ava who has Down Syndrome and always wanted to be sure he could do something special for her benefit.


A Celebration of Life Memorial Service is also being planned for early November in Fort Myers, FL