John Joseph O'Brien

Portsmouth, RI - John Joseph OBrien, 90, of 317 Riverside Street Portsmouth, died Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at Grand Islander Health Care Center Middletown, RI.He was the husband of the late Gwendolyn V. Hooper OBrien. Born in Tiverton, RI on September 14, 1914, he was the son of the late John J. and Ann Cornell OBrien. Mr. OBrien was a Diesel Mechanic with the New York Transit Authority for 37 years, retiring in 1974. Mr. OBrien had played semi pro soccer, where he played all positions, for The Caladonians in New York and a Checosolvacian team Prague, from 1933-1949. He was an avid sports participant, playing hockey and tennis and was a former Boy Scout. Mr. OBrien moved to New York in 1929 and lived in the Bronx until moving back to the local area in 1974. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Bronx, NY. He is survived by two sons John J OBrien III of Newport, RI, and Wayne David OBrien of Konnie, NJ, his daughter Elizabeth Ann Golden of Holtsville, Long Island, NY, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2005, at 12:30PM in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth. Donations in his memory may be made to the Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Dpt. Rescue Wagon Fund, P.O. Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871.