Korean War veteran, Selectman, Minit & Militia member and AAA tow operator
Published in the March 8, 2018 edition
NORTH READING — Philip H. “Nick” O’Brien Jr., 87, of North Reading and formerly of Reading, died at his home on Friday, March 2, 2018. He was the loving husband of the late Barbara A. (Aylward) O’Brien.
Born in Reading on April 14, 1930, he was the son of the late Philip H., Sr. and Eva Agnes (Letourneau) O’Brien. He was raised and attended school in Reading and was a graduate of Reading High School. Nick later graduated from Boston University and worked as an aeronautical engineer at GE for a number of years. Nick served his country during the Korean War as an airplane mechanic and pilot for the U.S. Air Force and continued to fly as a civilian.
He married Barbara and after moving around the country as a serviceman they eventually settling in an old farmhouse in North Reading. He loved working with people and became well known as the AAA tow operator who rescued many motorists with car troubles. He maintained a repair shop on Main Street that continues to be a notable landmark.
Nick was a member of the Minit and Militia unit in North Reading, annually marching in the parade and presenting arms on Memorial Day. He was a vocal Selectman in town for nine years who always believed in putting the best interests of the town before the interests of individuals.
He was an uncle who adored his many nephews and nieces and was a stalwart family man who always believed in trust, loyalty and honesty. He had two children, a son and daughter, who were instilled with his principles of a close knit community. Nick was a devoted husband to his wife, taking care of her tirelessly in their home until she passed in 2015. Towards the end of his life, nothing gave him more joy than to roll through the center of town or even to the end of his driveway to wave to passersby.
Family members include his loving children, Jessie O’Brien and her husband Kevin Whitehead, and Philip H. O’Brien III and his wife Apryl Sahadi and his granddaughter, Eva O’Brien.
His funeral Mass was held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading on Wednesday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. Interment was private. There were no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
