John Edwin O’Brien Jr., 73, a longtime resident of Brockton, died peacefully at Brockton Hospital on Sunday, September 27, 2026 after a short illness. He was the husband of Donna (Large) O’Brien for 45 years. He was born and raised in Brockton, son of the late John Edwin and Madeline Elizabeth (Brouillard) O’Brien. He was a graduate of Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton, with a degree in Culinary Arts. John resided in Stoughton for 30 years before moving back to Brockton in 2012. He was a chef at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton for 35 years before retiring in 2015. He had a love of blues music and was a member of the Boston Blues Society. He enjoyed watching golf and the Patriots but his greatest joy was being a “Papa” and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children, John Edwin O’Brien III and Sarah M. Mace and her husband Brandan all of Brockton as well as his grandchildren and absolute loves of his life, Caleb O’Brien and Aria Mace. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral Services Private. In lieu of flowers, donations in John‘s memory may be made to The Boston Blues Society, 7 Acorn Road, Norton, MA 02766 or www.bostonblues.org.