Joseph T. O'Brien
August 5, 1953 ~ June 6, 2015
Scarborough- Joseph T. OBrien, 61, of Pond View Dr., died Saturday, June6, 2015, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. His loving family was by his side. Joe was born in Portland, Maine on August 5, 1953 the son of the late Richard F. OBrien Jr. and Florence I. Kennedy Cairns. Joe attended local schools and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School. Joe met Leigh Marean and together they shared a fourteen year relationship before getting married on June 24, 2014. He worked his entire career driving trucks for several companies in southern Maine. In 2001 he purchased a truck and started his own company. In their spare time, Joe and Leigh loved to go camping and were avid race car fans. He raced many cars at Beech Ridge and Star Speedway in New Hampshire. He restored one of his old racing cars and it was donated to the Northeast Motor Sports Museum in Louden, New Hampshire. Joe looked forward to hosting the weekly gathering of the Friday Night Friends, at his man cave, aka the garage, an event which had gone on for many years and many red solo cups. Joe was predeceased by his father Richard F. OBrien Jr. He is survived by his wife Leigh A. OBrien of Scarborough; his mother Florence Sis Cairns of South Portland; two stepsons Ryan Garrigan and Travis Emmons both of Scarborough; three brothers Richard and Norma OBrien of South Portland, Ronald OBrien and his companion Theresa Sampietro of Buxton, Daniel and Judy OBrien of Gray; a granddaughter Peyton Espey Garrigan of Westbrook who affectionately referred to him as Gogo; many nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their special thanks to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Dr. Celine Godin, Dr. Roger Inhorn, Dr. John Brewer and their staff. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Burial will be private in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com Those who wish may make contributions in Joes memory to: Portland Press Herald Toy Fund, In the Spirit of Bruce Roberts, PO Box 7310, Portland, ME 04112 or to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route 1 STE 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the O’Brien family during this tough time .
– Charlie & Cathy Fournier
Leigh and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Joe fought this battle together, side by side. So proud of you both for the courage you have displayed over the past year. You and Joe had an amazing love, one that will continue, through eternity. God bless.
– Karen Hendrickson
Leigh: We would take this hurt away if we could- you will miss him forever! So glad you found each other and could dance for the fifteen years you had together.
– Clifton & Carroll Marean
Sorry to hear of His passing , he will be missed by many. One of the Good Guys.
– David Chandler
to Rick & Norma, So sorry to read of the loss of Rick’s brother. It seems all too often, life brings such pain. I pray for healing of ALL your family and friends, knowing full well that scares may remain due to such a loss at far too young an age. A quote from my grandfather: “the more we’re hurt, the tenderer we are…” Sorry that I’m unable to attend Joe’s service and look forward to somehow, someday soon, seeing you both. best to you and yours, peter b.
– Peter & Rae Brown
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing.
– Ralph Martin
To Leigh, Sis, Rick, Ron, Danny and Tim.So sorry to hear of Joey’s passing. He was my second brother growing up in Cape Elizabeth during the “day”. What a great friend he was and he will always be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Joe, R.I.P. my friend,Dave Jones
– Dave Jones
I knew Joey years ago when I lived in Maine. He was a great guy. He will be missed!
– Maureen Smith
Leigh, I’m very sorry for your loss. I know words cannot take away your sorrow but know that you will have many happy memories that will remain with you forever.
– Lisa Richard
Leigh, so sorry for your loss, Joey is loved by so many, he will be sadly missed, so sorry that your heart is breaking.
– Denise Johnston
So sorry for the passing of a great and funny man. Joey had a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face till the end, and I loved the way he loved you, Leigh. You were great partners in crime and I’m so sorry for your loss.”When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” -Kahlil Gibran
– Tory, Piper, Cooper and Oscar
Dear Sis,I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s death. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Grace and Peace always, Andy White
– Andy White
Dear Sis and Rick, So sorry to hear of the death of your son and brother. My prayers and thoughts are with you.May God be good to him.
– Fr. Paul Coughlin
our sincere condolences to all the O’Brien family
– Cheryl Carson and Frank Landry
Our condolences to the O’Brien family. May your special memories help to ease your sorrow.
– Gary and Nancy Coffin
So sorry to see this. He and I never spoke but I’ve been driving a dump truck for 15 years and passed him hundreds of times and he always stuck his hand out the window and waved and smiled. I always looked forward to seeing him on the road. My thoughts are with your family.
– Jessica Locke
Theresa & Ron so sorry for your loss! Praying for you and all of the O’Brian family!
– Pat Buck
I just heard about Joey,,we were friends years ago when he raced at Beech Ridge,,I am sorry for your loss,,RIP Joey,,Calista
– Calista Cross
We are so sorry to hear of the families great loss of Joey. May it help in some small way to know others care and hold all of you in their prayers.
– George and Linda Lougee
RIP JoeySo happy we connected at the Loom Camping ground! Reminiscing was fun. Save a place up there for me Joey!!’My sympathy to the O’Brien family and espically his wife, Leigh. You will be missed by many
– Arlene Belanger Vaillancourt
So sorry to learn of Joe’s passing, Leigh . Will keep you in our prayers.Aunt Patty and Uncle Bob Williiams
– Bob and Patty williams.
So Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great friend to us, and will be sadly missed. Leigh, we’ll keep you in our prayers. RIP Joey FRIENDS FOREVER Karen & Bobby Peary
– Karen & Bobby Peary
Leigh and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. There are no words that We can say to take away your pain but know you are in our thoughts and prayers! Extra hugs for Peyton ! Love, Deb and Mike
– Deb and Mike Nugent
Remember many years on old Eastman Road with all of the O’Brien family. So sorry to hear of Joey’s death. I will keep your family in my thoughts.
– Jill MacDonald O’Connor
I am so sorry for your loss. I new Joey.from Cole Street, and ,Beech Ridge, way to young.
– Linda Allen