Raymond C. O'Brien

Raymond C. O'Brien, of Stoneham, passed away peacefully on Thursday December 22, 2022.

Born in Boston, Raymond was the son of the late Joseph C. O'Brien and Annie (Smith) O'Brien.

Raymond was a graduate of Somerville High School. Upon completion of high school, he decided to enlist into the Navy. It was November 1943 and the world was at war. From that point on he served his country and never stopped.

A veteran of World War II and Korea, and the recipient of four battle stars, Ray served onboard the USS Daniel A. Joy and participated in every major naval campaign in the pacific theater. He is a highly decorated sailor and his awards include The American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Naval Reserve Medal, Purple Heart, Philippine Republic Medal, Korean Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Ray has served as State Deputy Commissioner of Veteran Services, Naval Aide to three Governor's and is a member of the Governor's Veteran's Advisory Committee. He also served on President Bush's Veteran's Committee. Ray was appointed to the Board of Trustees at the Soldier's Home in 1994. He served as Secretary for many years and was appointed Chairman in 2010.

For more than 30 years, Ray was involved in the VFW'S National Service Officer's training seminars. He has served as the VFW State Commander and then as the VFW Department Service Officer. When he was State Commander, Ray was asked by former Commandant John Quigley to establish a "medical library" in the hospital. He quickly raised over $30,000 to complete the library. Prior to that, as Commander of the George Dilboy Post #529 of Somerville, he was the spearhead behind outfitting a complete ward in the hospital.

In addition to his countless veteran associated commitments, Ray found time to serve as the Town Moderator in Stoneham, and Administrative Assistant in the General Counsel's office of the MBTA, a stint as Middlesex Deputy Sheriff as Constable, as a Notary Public and as a Justice of the Peace.

Ray was actively affiliated with many veteran organizations. He has dedicated thousands of hours doing volunteer work at the Home and at VA Medical Centers. Commandant Michael Resca said, "Mr. O'Brien is a true veteran's veteran. He spent every day trying to get veterans the benefits and compensation they deserve. It was an honor to work with Ray".

Ray is a man who has dedicated his life to the service of his nation. From serving in World War II and Korea to assisting veterans in need today, Ray is a shining example of the Greatest Generation.

Raymond is the beloved husband of Rita A. (Lawlor) O'Brien. He is the cherished father of Anne Marie Nelson and her husband Paul, Kevin D. O'Brien and his wife Claire, Terrence J. O'Brien and his wife Sandra, the late Gerard F. O'Brien and his surviving wife Lisa and the late Raymond C. O'Brien and his surviving wife Valerie. Devoted grandfather of Brendan D. O'Brien, Timothy C. O'Brien, Colin P. O'Brien, Allison L. O'Brien, Andrea S. O'Brien, Jessica E. O'Brien, and Rachel S. O'Brien. Great grandfather of Declan, Maeve, Belin, Lochlan and Ronan. Dear brother of the late George L. O'Brien. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home 482 Main St. (RT28) STONEHAM on Wednesday January 4th, 2022 at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Raymond's Eternal Life in St. Patrick Church 71 Central St. Stoneham at 10 am.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with his family on Tuesday January 3rd, 2022 in the funeral home from 4 pm to 7 pm. Parking attendants and elevator available.

Please consider donations in memory of Raymond to Chelsea Solider Home 91 Crest Ave. Chelsea, MA 02150 https://www.mass.gov/orgs/soldiers-home-in-chelsea