John C. O’Brien Sr., 84, passed away at his home on the morning of May 14 with his family by his side. Born in Portland on May 31, 1927, he was the son of John and Alice (Etheridge) O’Brien.
John grew up in Portland and spent summers in Round Pond. He attended local schools and graduated from Deering High School. Upon graduating in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for almost two years.
In 1949 he married Evangeline Noyes, and the couple would raise their three children together in both Portland and Round Pond. He worked as a Union Pipe Fitter, traveling wherever the job took him. With it, he worked on jobs throughout the country and into Canada.
A lifelong football fan, he loved the New England Patriots. He was an accomplished horseshoe pitcher, winning the 2006 Skippy Fall Classic and the 2007 Schoodic Lake Tournament at the age of 80. More than anything, he loved to have a good time with family and friends.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Edward, Robert and Gordon; as well as a granddaughter, Shelly O’Brien.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Evangeline O’Brien of Damariscotta; children, J. Craig O’Brien Jr. and wife Betsy of Bristol, Susan and Gary Collamore of Damariscotta, and Mark and Karen O’Brien of Pittston; grandchildren, Amy O’Brien, Andrea Krah, Stacey Simmons, Robyn Collamore, Travis O’Brien and Brady O’Brien; step-granddaughters, Monica Norris and Tena DeBlois; as well as 13 great-grandchildren.
Graveside service 9 a.m., Sat., May 19 at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Round Pond. A reception will follow the service at the home of Craig and Betsy O’Brien.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, PO Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
