Obituary for Robert J. O'Brien
Robert “Bob” J. O’Brien, of Wells, Maine, formerly of Rangeley, Maine, passed away on June 6, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Newton, Massachusetts in 1931, he graduated from Boston College in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After BC he was drafted into the US Army and received an honorable discharge after two years of active duty at Walter Reed Medical Center. Bob attended Commercial Arts School in Boston and earned his master’s degree in public administration from New York University in 1968.
Bob dedicated his life to helping others. Beginning at the Boys & Girls Club in Massachusetts, next as a Head Gymnastics Instructor at the Boston YMCA, and then on to his life’s work as Camp Director at Easter Seals camps in Connecticut, Florida, and New York. Settling in Rangeley, Maine, he welcomed weary travelers hiking the Appalachian Trail at his beloved Gull Pond Lodge.
He was an accomplished gymnast, a skier, an artist, a magician, and a great singer. His endless and extraordinary sense of humor and quick wit entertained all. His profound love of animals was a large part of his life and showed in his love and devotion for his many dogs, his cats, and any other animal he encountered.
Bob is survived by: his brother Richard T. O’Brien of Millis, Massachusetts; his chosen sons - Gordon D. and his wife Joleen J. (Gerow) Clarke, of Wells, Maine and Brian R. Clarke of Wilton, Maine; several nieces and nephews; a grand- niece; and three grand- nephews. He was predeceased by: his parents, Albert A. O’Brien and Edith (O’Connell) O’Brien; his brother Donald A. O’Brien; and his sister-in-law Barbara A. (MacMaster) O’Brien.
In remembrance, donations to Easter Seals (www.secure.easterseals.com) or The Dementia Society of America (https://dementiasociety/charityproud.org) are welcomed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Born in Newton, Massachusetts in 1931, he graduated from Boston College in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After BC he was drafted into the US Army and received an honorable discharge after two years of active duty at Walter Reed Medical Center. Bob attended Commercial Arts School in Boston and earned his master’s degree in public administration from New York University in 1968.
Bob dedicated his life to helping others. Beginning at the Boys & Girls Club in Massachusetts, next as a Head Gymnastics Instructor at the Boston YMCA, and then on to his life’s work as Camp Director at Easter Seals camps in Connecticut, Florida, and New York. Settling in Rangeley, Maine, he welcomed weary travelers hiking the Appalachian Trail at his beloved Gull Pond Lodge.
He was an accomplished gymnast, a skier, an artist, a magician, and a great singer. His endless and extraordinary sense of humor and quick wit entertained all. His profound love of animals was a large part of his life and showed in his love and devotion for his many dogs, his cats, and any other animal he encountered.
Bob is survived by: his brother Richard T. O’Brien of Millis, Massachusetts; his chosen sons - Gordon D. and his wife Joleen J. (Gerow) Clarke, of Wells, Maine and Brian R. Clarke of Wilton, Maine; several nieces and nephews; a grand- niece; and three grand- nephews. He was predeceased by: his parents, Albert A. O’Brien and Edith (O’Connell) O’Brien; his brother Donald A. O’Brien; and his sister-in-law Barbara A. (MacMaster) O’Brien.
In remembrance, donations to Easter Seals (www.secure.easterseals.com) or The Dementia Society of America (https://dementiasociety/charityproud.org) are welcomed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.