Arthur C. O'Brien, 85

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Arthur Charles O'Brien, 85, longtime local educator, formerly of North Adams, died peacefully on Saturday morning, December 2, 2017, at Highpointe Hospice House in Haverhill, Mass.

He was born on May 16, 1932, in North Adams, Mass., a son of the late Charles & Catherine (Bunting) O'Brien. He attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School and graduated from North Adams State Teacher's College with a master's degree in education.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. Arthur was last employed as a teacher and principal at Williamstown Elementary School for many years until his retirement. He began his teaching career in the Richmond school district and also taught in North Adams. Art was the co-founder and treasurer of the Williamstown Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union.

He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in North Adams. Art was devoted to his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved the Boston Red Sox and watching "Jeopardy." Art was inspired by his faith to find ways to help other people and he taught his children to do the same.   

His wife, Beatrice Rose (Green) O'Brien, RN, whom he married June 21, 1958, died on August 25, 2017.

Survivors include two daughters, Eileen O'Brien of Malden, Mass., and Patricia O’Brien of Rye, N.H.; and one son, Raymond O'Brien and his wife Debra of North Andover, Mass. Arthur also leaves three grandchildren, Katie and Jack O'Brien and Elizabeth Harpin; as well as nieces and nephews including Mark Lincourt, David Zaffino, Kathy Zaffino and Nancy Austermann.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Zaffino.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Arthur O'Brien will be celebrated on Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.  

Calling hours at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247, will be Wednesday, December 6, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Highpointe Hospice House in care of the funeral home.