Edward Jerome O’Brien, Jr., of Mattapan passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13, at the age of 79.

Edward was born in Indianapolis, IN, grew up in Somerville, MA and resided in Mattapan, MA. Son of Dr. Edward J. O’Brien and Paulina (Tina) Heine O’Brien, he graduated from St. Clement’s High School in Somerville and Northeastern University. He served in the US Army in Vietnam as a platoon leader and retired from Army with rank of Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster). He joined the Army Reserves Civil Affairs Unit and was promoted to rank of Major. As Executive Officer he led the Task Force New Arrivals at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania facilitating the resettlement of refugees evacuated to the U.S. after the fall of South Vietnam.

After his retirement from the military, he worked for the U.S. Post Office and the Harvard Coop. The majority of his career was spent at the Boston Retirement Board as Manager of Member Services. He retired from the city of Boston in 2012. He was active in Ward 18 politics and community services. He was an active volunteer with a number of charitable and political organizations including the Board of Boston Elder Services, Applegrove Crime Watch, Boston Greenspace Alliance, Dorchester Park Society, Charitable Irish Society, Boston Schulverein, Boston Hospital Community Advisory Committee, and the Pope John Paul Park/Millenium Park Community Advisory Committee.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances (Morrison) O’Brien and his daughter, Paulina (Polly) Mary O’Brien, both of Mattapan, MA, two brothers, Eric O’Brien of Terre Haute, IN and Marc O’Brien, sister-in-law Cecilia O’Brien and niece Allison O’Brien of Apache Junction, AZ, brother-in-law John Morrison and nieces Caroline Martin and Cathleen Morrison, and grandnephew Nathan Martin of Indianapolis, IN.

He was extremely proud of the professional accomplishments of his wife at the Boston Public Library and his daughter at the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston at the Harvard Kennedy School. He loved all the Boston sports teams, but held a true passion for the Red Sox, Celtics, and New England Revolution. He enjoyed attending soccer games with his family as a season ticket holder. He also adored his dogs and cats.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Gregory Church, 2223 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, Friday July 19 at 10:00 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Thursday July 18 from 4-8 PM. Interment will be private on Monday, July 22.

In lieu of flowers, trees can be planted in memory of Edward through the Arbor Day Foundation.

Please visit Plant Trees for Others - Arbor Day Foundation (https://shop.arborday.org/commerative-trees-for-others?producttype=TIM)