Salem……

Louis J. "Obie" O'Brien, age 82, of Salem died at home Thursday evening surrounded by his loving family. He and his loving wife, Dorothy A. (Frye) O'Brien would have celebrated 63 years of marriage in June 2009.

Born in Salem the son of the late John F. and Rose (Pluff) O'Brien, he was educated in Salem elementary schools. Shortly after entering the Salem Vocational School, Mr. O'Brien entered the United States Navy during World War II. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Medal with 2 stars and the Asiatic Pacific Medal with o1 star. Mr. O'Brien also received a Citation from the Flagship of the Commander of the Amphibious Forces United States Pacific Fleet "For excellent service in the line of his duty as a member of a damages control party aboard a USS Forester #461 , which was a Destroyer /Minesweeper.

Following his discharge, he returned home, married his high school sweetheart and they began their family. Mr. O'Brien worked briefly for the former National Kerr Furniture Company in Salem until becoming employed by Versa Tanning Company in Peabody as the Forman of Maintenance. As the tanning factory changed ownership and names he remained in his position until it was closed by the JEC Tanning Company.

Mr. O'Brien then was employed by the Essex Institute in Salem with the Buildings and Grounds team until retiring in 1988.

A Third Degree member of the Salem Knights of Columbus Veragua Council 76, Mr. O'Brien was very active at the Immaculate Conception Church establishing its' 500 Club and Thrift Shop. He was also a member of the V.F.W Witch City Post 1524 in Salem.

Mr. O'Brien enjoyed being at his home and doing projects with his family. He was an accomplished woodworker, having done much of his own carpentry as well as a gifted landscaper and gardener.

In addition to his wife, Mr. O'Brien is survived by three children, Donna Bakoian of Lynn, Carleen Brosnan and her husband Barry and Shawn O'Brien and his wife Tish all of Salem; six grandchildren Robert Bouchard, Heather McClain, twins Daniel and Dale Bakoian, Jason Bakoian and Nolan O'Brien; six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Monday from 4 to 8 P.M. in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem. Funeral services and interment will be private. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St, Suite B 102, Danvers, MA 01923, the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718
Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, the Ostomy Association of Boston, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or a charity of one's choice. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.