David A. O'Brien's Obituary
David A. O’Brien, 65, of Derry, N.H. passed away peacefully on April 29th, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter.
Dave was born on September 12th, 1960 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital in Melrose, Massachusetts to Lawrence and Ruth O’Brien of Wakefield, Massachusetts. He graduated from Wakefield High school in 1978 and attended MassBay
Community College where he majored in education, or more importantly… Baseball! After deciding college was not the path for him, Dave went on to start his own masonry business which became his life’s work for nearly 50 years.
In his high school and college years, Dave lived for two things: sports and fishing. He was a four season athlete and if he wasn’t at a game, or practice (or waiting for the Detroit Tigers to call!) he was likely fishing or playing street hockey with his life long friends including Tom Coughlin and Charlie List. Those years and friendships that he cherished so much remained close to his heart throughout his life.
While Dave had many accomplishments throughout his life, some of his favorite memories came from his years in sports, especially his time playing for the Somerville RedSox. His children were amongst his proudest accomplishments in life and he loved nothing more than being their father. He also had a deep love for Rockport, Massachusetts, where he spent many happy years fishing, and being near the water.
Dave took tremendous pride in his work, treating every project as if it were for his own home. He was known for his incredible work ethic, attention to detail, and remarkable ability to make a vision come beautifully to life.
At home, Dave loved being a husband and a father. He found joy in life’s simple moments, working in the yard, fishing, gardening, eating oysters, or spending time outside with family and friends. Dave found most happiness in being home
with the people he loved. To know Dave was to love him. He was the truest friend, the kindest soul, and someone who made people feel welcomed, supported, and cared for through his quick-wit and hospitality. He will be deeply and forever missed by all who knew him.
Dave is survived by his wife of 28 years, Colette O’Brien; his children, Megan O’Brien and David T. O’Brien; his siblings, Robin and Paul Brown, Gail and Ron Leverson, and Lawrence “Chip” O’Brien; along with many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his son, Sean O’Brien.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at John Breen Memorial Funeral Home in North Andover, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you honor Dave by planting something in his memory, tending a garden, or spending time outdoors with the people you love, just as he always did.
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