DEXTER – Wallace A. O’Brien, 75, died Nov. 4, 2011, at a Dexter health care facility.
He was born Jan. 3, 1936, in Lynn, Mass., a son of Charles and Phyllis (Gormley) O’Brien.
Wally married the former Barbara Jean Hopkins May 10, 1958, in New Hampshire. They moved to Maine with their family in 1972. Barbara and Wally purchased Richie’s Pizza and renamed the business Main Street Pizza. Wally also started C. S. O’Brien Contracting at about the same time specializing in paving. After a period of ill health, he started the family farm, where he enjoyed a large variety of animals. As his health improved, he and his son, Charlie, established O’Brien and Sons, which continues to this day. Wally loved country and western music and enjoyed dancing to it. He was known to travel great distances to follow his passion.
In addition to his wife of 54 years, he is survived by two sons, Charles and fiancee, Terry, and Timothy and wife, Tracey, all of Dexter; two daughters, Jean and husband, Joel Corkran, of Dexter and Martha and husband, Steve Richards, of Shrewsbury, Mass.; a brother, Robert and wife, Denise, of Georgia; a sister, Suzanne and husband, Jay Durkin, of Salem, Mass.; seven grandchildren, Wendy, John, April, Megan, Andy, Shaun and T.J.; one great-granddaughter, Kayleigh; his special extended family, the Saulmers; very special friends, Tim and wife, Cathy Giles; many nieces and nephews; his beloved dog, Chico; as well as many friends in the community. He was predeceased by a grandson, Robbie Tetreault.
Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main St., Dexter, where a memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, with Pastor Lois Field officiating. After the services Friday, there will be a gathering at Dexter Town Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 80 Elm St., Portland, ME
04101. Those who wish may sign an online guest register at
www.CrosbyNeal.com.