Daniel K. O’Brien – 79, of Newton, NH and Naples, FL, and formerly of North Reading, MA, passed away peacefully amongst family on May 8, 2022. Daniel (Dan) was a loving husband for 56 years to his recently deceased wife, Kathleen with whom he lived in North Reading for 38 years and raised his 3 children Kristine, Julie and Dan.
Born in 1942, Dan attended Saint Francis de Sales Parochial School in Charlestown and graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1960. He went on to earn a degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 1962. A dedicated life-long learner, Dan earned four additional degrees from Northeastern University: Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Electrical Engineering. In 2005, he earned his Doctorate of Engineering from University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He also served our country as an active-duty member of the Army National Guard.
While working at the telephone company as a young engineer, Dan was tasked with designing an emergency call response system. His design entitled “EMERGENCY SERVICE 911 ARRANGED FOR #1XBAR AND PANEL C.O.” is known today as “911.” The design was widely deployed, and although it has been updated over the years with changing technologies, Dan’s original design helped countless people in need of emergency help. He moved on to engineering management positions within the telephone company (New England Telephone, NYNEX, AT&T) and retired after 30 years. Dan found another passion in his second career, teaching electrical engineering and mathematics at Merrimack College in North Andover for well over a decade.
He was happiest in life when surrounded by his adoring family. He enjoyed golfing, playing his guitars, reading engineering text books, and watching the ocean sunsets with his beloved wife, Kathy.
Dan will be dearly missed by his children: Kristine (O’Brien) Davis and her husband Joe Davis of North Reading, Julie (O’Brien) Fennell and her husband David Fennell of Auckland, New Zealand, and Daniel O’Brien and his wife Alicia (Moore) O’Brien of Dedham. He will always be remembered as a loving Grampy to his six grandchildren: Patrick and Erin Davis; Shaun Fennell; and Raelyn, Maeve, and Mila O’Brien.
Dan is also survived by his sisters Beverly Rogers of Gloucester, and Marion Connolly of Duxbury, and his brother Edward O’Brien of Naples, FL.
He was predeceased by his parents James and Mary O’Brien, his brother James O’Brien, and his sister Patricia (O’Brien) Whitlock, all formerly of Charlestown
Visiting hours will be held between 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, May 15 at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street in North Reading. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading on Monday, May 16 at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Daniel O’Brien to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org). www.Croswellfuneralhome.com
I played Golf with Dan a handful of times in Boxford last Summer. He was a fine gentleman with a good sense of humor. He clearly loved his family a great deal. I am very sorry for your loss especially so soon after the loss of his wife.
I was sadden to hear of Dan’s passing. I enjoyed our many conversations at the “mail box” here at Sargent Woods. He will be sadly missed.
Sincerely, Rick Guarente
Sending deepest condolences to Kris, Julie and Danny—from the Relovsky family– Cathy, Laura, Peter and families. Dan was a wonderful friend and neighbor, and we will always remember his kindness and laughter — and were always so impressed by his many incredible accomplishments. It is a comfort to know he is at peace with his beloved Kathy—they will be deeply missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Laura Relovsky
So deeply saddened for the loss of Uncle Dan.
Kris, Julie, Danny – our hearts go out to you and your families.
Aunt Kathy has her arms wide open for Uncle Dan. They are together. They are blessed.
Still all of the roller coaster emotions are weighing heavy on you.
We wish you to find some pockets of peace and comfort in your time of grief.
Love, Patti and Tim Williams
Dear Kristine, Julie, Danny, spouses, and grandchildren,
Sending you our deepest sympathy.
We are so very saddened by the passing of your wonderful father.
Dan was amazing in so many ways,and always had time to say hi or help out. Your Mom and Dad became our first friends. Their home was always warm and welcoming to family and friends. We have memories of many wonderful times together as we “grew up “ in our nice neighborhood. We loved keeping in touch over the years, and distance did not prevent that. Every time we connected, we could pickup where we left off. We will miss them so very much. All of you are a tribute to your dear parents. Peace be with all of you.
May God hold them in the palm of his hand until we meet again.
Love ,The Richards