Joseph Howard O’Brien, greatly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, surrounded by his family after a period of declining health. On November 3, 1950, at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Joe was born to Francis X. O’Brien and Elizabeth A. (Pehlemann) O’Brien. Joe grew up in Salem, Massachusetts where he attended Salem High School, graduating in May 1968. On June 9,1968, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he served aboard the USCGC Tamaroa based in New York Harbor. Joe was a skilled sailor and a distinguished swimmer, earning multiple awards and the designation of 2nd Swimmer. He also received awards for his excellence in firearm marksmanship.

In 1982, Joe married Pauline Blake, in Bellows Falls, Vermont and their marriage spanned 44 wonderful years. In 1984, they settled in Bellows Falls, where Joe continued his work as a Master Carpenter until his retirement in 2016. Joe’s talents and interests were numerous. He was known for his quick and sarcastic wit, and he was a man who could engage anyone in conversation. His Massachusetts accent was a hallmark of his speech, endearing him to all who knew him. Joe was an avid softball pitcher and cyclist throughout his adult life, and he found joy in activities like fishing and kayaking. Above all, Joe was devoted to his family, whom he loved beyond measure.

He is survived by his wife, Pauline, daughter, Taylor O’Brien Emery and her husband, Chad, son, Blake O’Brien, and his beloved grandchildren, Jett, Sawyer, Lilah, and Ava. He also leaves behind his siblings: sister, Ann Kulas and her husband, Jack, sister, Sharon, brother, Marc and his wife, Janet, sister, Margaret and her husband, Martin, and brother, John and his wife, Lauren, and his nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents, brother, Jim, and sister, Elizabeth, lovingly known as “Cha-Cha.”

A memorial service and celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT 05101 on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to a charity of one’s personal choice. The O’Brien family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Cheshire Medical Nephrology and Brattleboro Memorial Cardiology departments for their care and compassion. Special thanks are extended to Dartmouth Health Hospice, particularly Nurse, Carleen, for their kindness and support during Joe’s final days.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.