Paul F. O'Brien

Paul Francis O’Brien, 92, of Camden, Maine, devoted husband and father of three sons, passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family after a lengthy illness.

Paul was born and raised in Medford, Massachusetts, and was the son of the late Raymond Francis O’Brien and Helen Connor. He graduated from Medford High School and began his undergraduate studies at M.I.T. before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1954. In the Army, Paul served as a technical educator, training servicemen to operate and repair radar equipment on the “Pine Tree Line” in northern Canada. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and went on to complete his engineering degree in 1957.

Paul married the love of his life, Elaine (Drago) O’Brien, in 1961 and raised his family in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, a place he always considered home. His career began at Transitron Electronic Corporation before he was hired by Arthur D. Little as an engineering consultant. He completed his long career at Motorola Corporation as a Package Design Engineer, where starting in the 1980’s, he worked on the development of Motorola’s very first cell phone.

In retirement, Paul further developed his design skills as a duck and wildlife carver, joining the New England Woodcarvers Club. Paul possessed a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. He planned memorable family vacations, served as a hockey coach, worked patriotically as a poll worker, and led as a Cub Scout den leader. For many winters, he built a custom hockey rink in the backyard, where his three boys and many neighborhood children learned how to skate.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Elaine; his three sons: John O’Brien and his wife, Robin Whiteman, with granddaughter Anya of Springwater, New York; Tim O’Brien and his wife, Tricia, with grandchildren Charlie and Katherine of Rockport, Maine; and Dave O’Brien of Florence, Massachusetts. He was the dear brother of the late Mary (O’Brien) Fanning and her late husband, Dick. Paul also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, as well as new friends in Camden, Maine, where he and Elaine moved in 2016.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Monday August 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held privately at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Lynnfield, MA.