PATRICK O’BRIEN.
BY MARK O’BRIEN OF LAWRENCE, MASS.
Patrick O’Brien, one of Lawrence’s leading citizens and business men, and a member of this Society, died shortly after noon Monday, June 21, 1909, at his home, 399 South Broadway. The deceased suffered a shock some time ago and had since steadily failed until death relieved his sufferings.
Mr. O’Brien was born in South Reading, now Wakefield, about fifty-seven years ago.
He was a member of Lawrence Council, No. 67, K. of C., Division 8, A. O. H., and Phil Sheridan Colony, U. O. P. F. He was alderman for one year from ward six.
His wife, Anna; two daughters, Mrs. John Dempsey of Wakefield, and Mrs. Frank Cotter, and four sons, Michael, Mark, Patrick, Jr., and Robert; one sister, Mary, and one brother, Dennis, survive him.
The funeral took place at St. Patrick’s Church, when a solemn high mass was celebrated. Rev. Fr. James T. Landrigan was the officiant, and was assisted by Rev. Fr. Farrell as deacon and Rev. Fr. John J. Gilday as sub-deacon. At the offertory Miss Mary Dolan rendered the “De Profundis.” The church was crowded with mourning relatives and friends of the deceased. Delegations attended from Division 8, A. O. H., and Lawrence Council, No. 67, K. of C.
The deceased was one of the older residents of the city and was held in high esteem and respect by all who knew him. He was prominent in the business world for many years and constructed many of the large buildings in the city.
The body reposed in a solid oak drop side, full couch casket, with oxidized silver extension bar handles, and the plate bore the following inscription: “Patrick A. O’Brien, 1850–1909.”
The following acted as pallbearers: John A. Driscoll, Michael Roache, William J. Carroll, James O’Neil, Thomas Gilmartin and Cornelius F. Lynch. Burial was in the family tomb in the Immaculate cemetery.