William Francis O' Brien

SOUTH-HARWICH--William Francis O’Brien (Bill), 85, died peacefully on December 22, 2020 at Cape Cod Hospital after having a stroke. His wife of 61 years, Judith A. (Wright) O’Brien, was at his side. Born in Boston, Bill was one of six children of the late Patrick and Josephine O’Brien. He enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation from Keith Academy in 1953. In addition to his time at Otis Air Force Base, Bill was also stationed at bases in Washington, Alaska, Washington, DC, Germany and Virginia. While serving at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA, Bill retired as a MSGT after 20 years of honorable service. Upon his retirement from the military, Bill went on to manage a NAPA Auto Parts store in Gloucester, VA until moving to Cape Cod after retiring a second time in 1999.

In his spare time, Bill worked part time at NAPA Auto Parts in Orleans. During retirement, Bill enjoyed fishing, building bird houses and going out to eat—especially for breakfast and fish & chips! Above all, his most cherished time was spent surrounded by his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill enjoyed taking trips with his wife to visit family in Virginia. In addition to his wife, he is survived by and will be deeply missed by his children Kelly A. Coronel (Rodney) of Williamsburg, VA, Kathleen J. Dunn (Billy) and William F. O’Brien II (Mandy) of Yorktown, VA. Bill is also survived by four grandchildren (Christopher, Kasey, Julianne and Brittany), 2 great-grandchildren (Luke and Levi), and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, March 19, 2021 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 57 Highland Ave., Chatham, MA 02633. Military honors will immediately follow, burial will take place at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brewster Animal Rescue League, 3981 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631 or to the Greater Boston Food Bank (www.my.gbfb.org). To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesharwich.com.