Submitted by the family of Donald William O’Brien
Donald “Don” W. O’Brien, a veteran of World War II and longtime resident of Simsbury, Connecticut, died peacefully on October 10, 2023, surrounded by his family. Don was born April 27, 1925, to James E. and Anne F. (O’Keefe) O’Brien in New Britain. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, his son, Donald W. O’Brien, Jr., his daughter, Theresa O’Brien, his granddaughter, Eden Camille Nietupski, his parents and his six siblings. He was also preceded in death by his dear companion, Jean Schiliro. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Michael and Kathleen O’Brien of Salisbury, MA, Richard and Ellen O’Brien of Winthrop, ME, Marty and Wendy O’Brien of Milford, Peggy and James O’Toole of Bloomfield, Steve and Kathryn-Ann O’Brien of Simsbury, as well as fourteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He attended Teachers College of Connecticut, now called Central Connecticut State University, at age 16, and at age 18, with 1 year before graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, initially as a private first class, but quickly being promoted to officer. As a navigator, Don saw action in Europe, and he had amazing stories of his time there as a member of a B-17 crew, flying 23 missions over Germany, and eventually, humanitarian missions over Holland. After the war, Don finished college at Catholic University, where he was very active in the Phi Kappa fraternity. There, he met his future wife, Lois Shove, whom he married on August 20, 1949. Don continued his education by attending Georgetown Law School. In 1951, and immediately after passing the state bar examination, Don returned to active duty in the Air Force soon after the Korean War began. Over the following 18 years, he transitioned from OSI (Office of Special Investigations), back to flying in SAC (the Strategic Air Command) then on to JAG (Judge Advocate General), where he served as an attorney until August of 1969, retiring with a total of 26 years served, having attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the service, Don was stationed in such diverse locations as New York, Greenland, Georgia, Kansas, California (north and south), and Germany.
In 1969, Don moved the family to Simsbury and began a new career as an attorney, first with the Attorney General’s Office, and then in private practice. His legal career culminated with his forming his own firm with James Tanski, which eventually became a powerhouse litigation firm of 18 attorneys, specializing in the practice of medical malpractice. Don and Lois lived in Simsbury for many years prior to his retiring and the two of them moving to a summer home in Hyannis, MA, and a winter home in Sanibel Island and Ft. Myers, FL. He lost his beloved Lois in 2006, after 56 years of loving marriage. He finally moved back to Connecticut in 2018, where he could be closer to his evergrowing family.
Don was passionate about spending time with his family, working in the legal profession, playing bridge, ballroom dancing, traveling around the world and enjoying the occasional Manhattan. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He took great joy in taking as many of his children and grandchildren on cruises and vacations to his beloved Sanibel Island. Don was a member of the U.S.A. Group of Simsbury and Avon (a retired military officers’ group), Newcomers’ Club, Encore Group, Simsbury Rotary Club and the Tuesday Bridge group. He was also a 40-year member of St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury.
Don’s family is very grateful for the excellent comfort and care provided by The Residence at Brookside in Avon, Constellation Hospice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Fay Harpule and the Trusted Angels.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 18th at St. Mary’s Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Burial with military honors will be immediately following at Simsbury Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Don’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
