William OBrien

William (Bill) O’Brien passed away 08/25/2020. He was 79 years of age. Bill was born in Malden Ma May 10, 1941, son of William and Winifred O’Brien, and grew up between Malden and North Reading, MA. Bill earned his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University, and spent his entire career at Draper Laboratory. Over Bill’s 55 year career he was responsible for overall coordination and execution of Guidance and Fire Control Test Operations in support of the Navy’s Trident submarine program. He utilized his extensive knowledge of Guidance System architecture and performance analysis to lead the design and the development of new test platforms, improve existing capabilities, perform evaluation of Trident missile flight tests, and educate staff. Bill was also a primary developer of the Trident Aircraft Pod test program which continues today in providing unique test capabilities using an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle. His greatest attribute was that he was always willing to take the time to mentor others and pass on his vast knowledge to future generations. Bill strived to make the community better for his family and others. He helped start the North Reading youth soccer league, worked on the town commission to acquire and manage the Hillview Golf Course in North Reading, and gathered resources to build the Ipswich River Park. Even in retirement, Bill wanted to improve the quality of life for those around him. For years, he served as president of the Coral Seas Condo Association, meticulously monitoring the budget, overseeing major renovation projects, and assisting neighbors at all hours of the day. He was loved for his gentle wisdom, tireless work ethic, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of others. In his free time, Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife Marge, relaxing at the family cottage in Maine, boating, visiting with his family and grandchildren, and playing golf. Bill is predeceased by his Mother and Father, Winifred and William O’Brien, Sister Joan (O’Brien) Case, nephew Michael Case and survived by his wife, Marjorie; his two sons: Michael and wife Susan, Christopher and wife Jessica; his four grandchildren: Taylor, Katie, Collin and Shane, his niece Joanne Campbell and her husband Doug, nephews Scott and Jeremy and his wife Becky Shore, and sister-in-law Janet and her husband Alan Shore. Funeral service will be at Our Saviours 5301 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 on Saturday August 29th 2020 at 1:00 pm The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM at the church In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to St Jude 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/promotion/impact-giving-pm.html?sc_dcm=277463736&sc_cid=kwp75473&source_code=IIQ190721002&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItP621KWt6wIVycDICh2EDAbkEAAYASAAEgIFJ_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds .