In Honor of Francis W. O'brien, on the Occasion of His 90th Birthday

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Norfolk County Commissioner Francis W. O'Brien, in recognition of his over sixty-five years of dedicated public service, on behalf of the Town of Dedham and Norfolk County.

The son of Annie and John O'Brien, Fran is the youngest of seven children. A true son of East Dedham, Fran was born in 1929 and spent his entire childhood and young adult life at 236 Bussey Street in East Dedham. Fran attended the Avery Elementary School and graduated from Dedham High School in 1949. While in high school, Fran excelled in football, baseball and was the captain of the hockey team. He went on to play semi-pro football for the Canton Town Club and St. Mary's of Brookline. In 1951, Fran enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War era and served honorably until he was discharged in 1953.

On January 20, 1951, Fran had the tremendous good fortune to marry his longtime high school sweetheart and classmate, Nancy Kennedy, at St. Mary's Church in Dedham. They were blessed with four children, Francis M., Marlene, Jacqueline, and Cynthia as well as seven grandchildren: David, William, Jeffrey, Gregory, Amanda, and twins Patrick and Sean. He is also the proud greatgrandfather to Annabelle, Sophia, Evan and Aiden.

Fran began his career in public service at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Dedham as a photostat operator, soon after being discharged from the Navy. From 1953 to 1958, he was employed by Whiting's Milk Company as a milkman. Fran served his community as a Dedham firefighter, joining the department in 1958. During this time, Fran also owned and operated O'Bie's Variety store in East Dedham. Always one to help those in need, there were countless times Fran allowed customers to purchase necessary items such as bread or milk on credit, knowing full well they would be unable to pay him back.

Madam Speaker, Fran ran for public office becoming the first firefighter in the Town of Dedham to serve on its Board of Selectman. Fran proudly served as a Selectman from 1962 to 1976; he also served the Town of Dedham as a Town Meeting member, a member of the Board of Recreation and a member of the Board of Assessors. He instantly connected with the citizens of Dedham and continued to serve as Selectman for more than twelve years. Subsequently, he was hired at the M.B.T.A. as Liaison of Governmental Affairs. His compassion and understanding have earned him the deep and abiding respect of the residents in the cities and towns all over the state.

Fran continued with the M.B.T.A. until his retirement in 1993. In 2002, he was appointed, then elected, as a Norfolk County Commissioner, serving on a threeperson board. In subsequent years, he has been elected to serve as Chairman by his fellow commissioners. Through his friendship and professional relationships with judges, clerk magistrates and clerks of court throughout Norfolk County, Fran helped institute physical changes and improvements to Norfolk County court houses.

On February 16, 2017, Fran lost the love of his life, Nancy, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and the onset of Alzheimer's. Tragically, 19 months later, he lost his beloved daughter, Marlene, suddenly on September 15, 2018, after her longtime fight with multiple infectious diseases.

As Fran reaches the proud age of 90 years old, he remains living independently in Dedham, with his son, daughters and grandchildren close by his side for support. Not surprisingly, you'll find him still helping people, still caring for the town he loves, and still devoted and loyal to his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, Francis W. O'Brien epitomizes the definition of a truly dedicated public servant. His life-long vocation of service to his community is on constant display as he continues to honorably serve the Town of Dedham. I urge my colleagues, and all who know Fran, to wish him the best on his 90th birthday.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source