Philip H. “Nick” O’Brien, Jr. – 87, of North Reading and formerly of Reading, died at his home on Friday, March 2, 2018, he was the loving husband of the late Barbara A. (Aylward) O’Brien.
Born in Reading, MA on April 14, 1930, he was the son of the late Philip H., Sr. and Eva Agnes (Letourneau) O’Brien. He was raised and attended school in Reading and was a graduate of Reading High School. Nick later graduated from Boston University and worked as an aeronautical engineer at GE for a number of years. Nick served his country during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic and pilot, for the U.S. Air Force and continued to fly as a civilian.
He married Barbara , moving around the country as a serviceman, eventually settling in an old farmhouse in North Reading. He loved working with people and became well known as the AAA tow operator who rescued many motorists with car troubles. He maintained a repair shop on Main Street that continues to be a notable landmark. Nick was a member of the Minute and Militia unit in North Reading, annually marching in the parade and presenting arms on Memorial Day. He was a vocal Selectman in town for 9 years who always believed in putting the best interests of the town before the interests of individuals.
He was an uncle who adored his many nephews and nieces and was a stalwart family man who always believed in trust, loyalty and honesty. He had two children, a son and daughter who were instilled with his principles of a close knit community. Nick was a devoted husband to his wife, taking care of her tirelessly in their home until she passed in 2015. Towards the end of his life, nothing gave him more joy than to roll through the center of town or even to the end of his driveway to wave to passers by.
Family members include his loving children, Jessie O’Brien and her husband Kevin Whitehead and Philip H. O’Brien, III and his wife Apryl Sahadi and granddaughter, Eva O’Brien.
His Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Wednesday, March 7 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Praying for you, PH and your family. I didn’t know Jessie very well but praying for all. Your father was proud of you and loved you very much.
So sorry for your loss Ms. O’Brien from the Molines
Jessie and PH – so sorry- LOVED your Dad!
PH & Jessie… So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was such a presence in the community and a joy to know. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lois Marra
This may be repetitive…..Nick was the best brother-in-law and best of uncles. He never forgot his N.Y. nieces and nephews and was much beloved by all of us. We always enjoyed seeing him and lately speaking with him on the phone. His great love for Barbara was an inspiration for all of us. He is now finally once again with his “bride.” I for one, will miss talking with him. Our prayers and love go to Jess and P.H. and their families. God’s blessings, Aunt Marcy and family
Jessie, Kevin, PH, Apryl, and Eva,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. -Laura Wall
To the wonderful family,
I’m deeply saddened by your loss and the town’s loss! I remember the family way back in the 50’s when we first moved here from the city (Chelsea). The GAS ⛽️ station along with Smith’s was the only one around. So many wonderful memories!
Once again so sorry—he is with Barbara and my parents– Frank and Mary Stanuchenski!
God Bless
Frances Stanuchenski Cheney ☹️
Uncle Nick you are now with your love- at peace.
Love your brother Bill, sister Barbara and all your nieces and nephews.
Thanks for the great memories Nick. The smiles. The laughter and the wisdom. Rest In Peace dear friend.
I always enjoyed chatting with Nick. He was warm and friendly – feisty and opinionated. He served his community, along with his beautiful wife, and contributed to the wonderful community NR is today. He will be missed. Blessings my friend, and Gods peace to your family.
Jesse & Family – My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
pH I’m sorry for your loss
So many great memories of my father and his best friend, Nick. They were so funny together and it made me so happy to know that my dad had a ‘BFF’. Jessie and PH, thinking of you both at this time. Your dad – Icon of North Reading. A legend.
NickO, a man of unwavering principles. You’ll be missed. I’m grateful to have called you a friend! RIP
I am so sorry for your loss! Your Dad rescued me a couple of times when I locked myself out of my car. He was also a good friend to my dad. All of you are in my thoughts & prayers.
When I moved to North Reading, I became a young single mom of two with a broken down car and the need to succeed. There were winters when Nick must have shown up at my house many many times, always with a smile, always encouraging me to continue doing a good job and always asking about my kids. To me, he is the very reason someone would want to move to North Reading — he was so very kind. A wonderful man and I will miss occasionally bumping into him here and there through out the town.
We will miss you with all my love sorry for the lose from Melinda Damon
Dear Jessie and PH,
There were no better friends to my family than your Mom and Dad. When my Dad moved to town after a tragic fire and my mom’s death, your father watched over him and truly rescued him from numerous mishaps in his car…..he helped me convince him to finally give up his car….. a blessing for everyone. When Dad lived at Wingate, your DAD was a regular visitor and would give me updates regularly.
My visits to your home when your Mom was ill, showed love, humor and caring that was more than heartfelt,
I remember you both from your high school days, memories that always make me smile.
Thinking of you both on St. Patrick’s Day and always. Terry Cappelli Brady