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Bruce O’Brien, 72, of Ivoryton passed away peacefully at his home on Aug. 16, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Bruce was born on July 5, 1948, in Stoneham, Massachusetts, later moving to Connecticut.

Bruce attended Mount St. John School in Deep River and later graduated from Valley Regional High School in 1967. This is where he met his future wife Diane. Bruce was deployed to Vietnam in 1968 with the US Army. Bruce and Diane were married in 1969. They built their life here in Connecticut, settling in their home in Ivoryton.

Bruce was a member of the Essex Fire Department for 30 years. He worked at Pratt Read Co. and then found his true calling working full-time as a recruiter for the Connecticut Army National Guard. Bruce recruited out of armories in Westbrook, Middletown, and New London. He spent countless hours in schools and with families contemplating joining the service. Bruce loved being a recruiter and in 1985 won the Chief’s 50th Award for top recruiter in the state of Connecticut. Bruce received many achievements over his 20 years of service, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Bars, and four Bronze Service Stars.

Bruce retired from the Army National Guard due to his battle with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was a battle he endured for 39 years. MS took away Bruce’s ability to do his job, participate in the fire department, drive, and walk. It did not take away his love for life. Even while he was confined to a wheelchair, Bruce’s powerful, positive spirit endured. Bruce enjoyed watching NASCAR and the NFL. Baseball was reserved for bets with Diane when the Yankees and Red Sox played, as he was a Sox fan.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents Fred and Betty O’Brien. He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver of more than 50 years, Diane. He is also survived by his children Tina Conlin (Steven) of East Lyme and Bruce O’Brien, Jr., (Lesley Graham) of Ivoryton; and his pride and joy, his triplet grandchildren Allison, Charlie, and Amelia Conlin. He leaves his brother Ronald Bornemann (Patricia) of Taunton, Massachusetts; Sandra Chadis (John) of Newton, Massachusetts; and Craig O’Brien of Florida.

We would like to thank the West Haven VA and Middlesex Health Hospice Homecare.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the National MS Society or the Essex Veterans Memorial Hall. Bruce will be laid to rest in a private service with military honors at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Middletown. To share a memory of Bruce or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.