William Francis O'Brien

William Francis O'Brien Sr., 89, of Prospect, formally Cheshire, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. 

William was born on June 7, 1935, in Westfield, MA, to John J. Sr. & Marguerite F. (Slattery) O'Brien. He graduated from West Haven High School and New Haven Teachers College.

He served in the US Air Force as a military policeman and was an honor guard for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. When he left the service, he became a teacher in the West Haven School system for over 30 years. He met the love of his life, Jean C. Adams in Milford, CT, and married in 1959.

He is the adored father to seven children, Kathleen (Ismail), Maureen (Spizzoucco), William Jr., Michael, Nancy (Colangelo), Frederick, and Jeanne (Tinari). William has 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

An avid reader who loved to recount history, William also spent many hours in his meticulous gardens. An appreciation passed down to many. But mostly, he enjoyed spending time with his loving family. Besides his large extended family, he leaves a brother, John J. O'Brien Jr, of Ansonia, and a cousin, Connie O'Brien, of Ireland. He is predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen, and his grandson, Nicholas Spizzoucco. 

A private funeral Mass was held at St. Bridget Church, Cheshire.