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John O’Brien

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, John William O’Brien, age 87, of North Haven, who died on Feb. 28, 2024. His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just as he always hoped it would be. Born in Kilkenny, Ireland, on June 8, 1936, he was one of three children.

He came to the US by way of Canada with his mother and sister while his ship, the SS Duchess of Richmond, dodged mines placed in the harbor during World War II. He settled in The Bronx, where he met the love of his life, his wife Maureen, who predeceased him in 2021. They were devoted to one another from the first day they met. As his first note to her promised, they lived each of their 60 years of marriage as an extended honeymoon. With two young daughters, they moved to “the hills of CT” to raise their children and welcome a third daughter to their family. John was a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

He is survived by his children, Jeanne (and Tim) Murphy of Cheshire, Beth (and Michael) Vogel of Madison, and Christine (and Mark) Marien of Old Saybrook; grandchildren: Collin (and Alyssa) Murphy, Aiden Murphy (and fiancé Paige Peck) and Sean Bromley; great-granddaughter Hadley Murphy; sister Patricia Holland of Pearl River, New York; and best friend Larry Blake. He is also survived by many additional relatives in Ireland. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Fallon; brother-in-law, Daniel Holland; brother-in-law, John Flynn; and niece, Debra Flynn.

John brought his Irish charm and quick wit to everything he did, especially raising his three daughters. John was a quintessential “girl dad” long before the phrase had ever been spoken. The close relationship that he had with his daughters, who visited him every night, will forever be treasured. He was so grateful that he had the joyful opportunity to be a “girl-great-granddad” with Hadley, who gave him such happiness and more smiles than could be counted. John was also a gifted singer and self-taught piano player. His voice, in song, would turn heads and quiet rooms. After John’s time at Fordham and in the Army, he embarked on a career at IBM before pursuing entrepreneurial ventures in computer services. He eventually retired from PIC, an aviation training company. John truly embodied the spirit of the Irish people — kind, generous, compassionate, and always ready with a story to make you laugh. He was a pillar of strength and support to his family, and his legacy will be in the lessons of unconditional love, devotion, and loyalty to family and the life-affirming power of laughter.

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit with the family during calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at the Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning, March 23, at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish in St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. www.northhavenfuneral.com.