Surrounded by family, Joseph E. O’Brien, age 97, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024 in Ocala, FL.
He was born on March 7, 1927 to Mary and Peter O’Brien in Ogdensburg, NY.
Joe graduated from St Mary’s High School in Ogdensburg, earned a business degree at Clarkson College in Potsdam, NY, and served in the US Navy during World War II.
He married Helen Rolfe on February 10, 1948 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg, NY. Together they had seven children, Virginia (David) Hoppenworth, Maureen (Kevin) Meade, Margaret J. O’Brien, Rev. Kevin J. O’Brien, Steven (Patty) O’Brien, Dennis (Theresa) O’Brien, and Edward O’Brien. He has 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his children, and grandchildren, Joe is survived by his sister, Alicia Waldron of Saranac, NY; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Holden of Madeira Beach, FL, and Eleanora Rolfe of Boca Raton, FL; and many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Kathleen) O’Brien; sister and brother-in-law, Mary (John) Cook; brother-in-law George Waldron; sisters-in-law Anna Rolfe, Mary (Peter) Heller, Elizabeth (Lewis) Schaeffer; and brothers-in-law, Robert Rolfe and David Holden.
After working in other government positions, he retired from the City of Norwich after 25 years as City Chamberlain. Joe was awarded the Key to the City and made an honorary fireman for his outstanding service.
Joe was an avid reader, a master bridge player, and a music lover. He enjoyed his On Top of the World community, his friends and helpers at Canterfield Assisted Living, and was a faithful member of Queen of Peace Parish for more than 30 years. Visits by his grand dog, Gigi, were often the highlight of his day.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Interfaith Emergency Services/Food Pantry, PO Box 992, Ocala, FL. 34478 or Shalom Park Foundation, 8435 SW 80th St., Suite 2, Ocala, FL. 34481 in his memory. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, Ocala, FL.