William G. O'Brien

WALPOLE, MA- William G. O’Brien, age 77, of Walpole, former longtime resident of Norwood, passed away at home, surrounded by the love, comfort, and care of his family on Saturday, May 10, 2025. He was the beloved and loving husband for 54 years to Kathleen M. (Drew) O’Brien.

Born in Milton, he was the oldest of five children born to the late William G. O’Brien, Sr. and Rita (Cuddy) Nuzzolo. Bill spent his early years in Hyde Park, before relocating to Norwood with his family. He was a graduate of Catholic Memorial High School, class of 1966. He then continued his education at Boston State College, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

A beloved educator and devoted community member, Bill had a wonderful 35-year career with the Norwood Public School System, teaching history at Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School. Throughout his career, Bill inspired countless students with his love of history, and his passion for sharing that knowledge with others. He especially enjoyed getting out of the classroom, where he would organize and lead field trips to locations such as Washington DC, Boston and Lexington and Concord. In addition to his role as a teacher, Bill found time to coach youth baseball, softball and basketball.

Bill’s ability to educate and spread knowledge did not stop at the classroom. For over 25 years, and into retirement from teaching, Bill worked as a trolley tour guide in Boston, regaling both locals and tourists with his deep knowledge of the city and its history.

As a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of various churches in Norwood, he served as a Eucharistic minister and assisted in many charitable events, embodying the spirit of service and devotion.

Bill had many interests, he was a voracious reader, consuming hundreds of books over the years, with a special interest in US History and biographies. As someone who played sports throughout his life, Bill was a dedicated Boston sports fan, but baseball and the Red Sox stood out for him. He spent many cherished moments with his wife and children on Cape Cod and in Maine. He especially loved getaways to Aruba, which he was able to do a number of times with his children and grandchildren. Whether on the beaches of Aruba or a backyard in Norwood, Bill was most happy when he was surrounded by family, making memories and having some laughs.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his proud and cherished children: Joy Hughey and her husband Scott, Jacqui Drummey and her husband Chris, Bill O’Brien and his wife Tricia, Erin Costa and her husband Damian, Mary Gorman and her husband Joe, and Bobby O’Brien and his partner Duncan; his adored grandchildren: Owen and Colleen Drummey, Patrick and Tommy O’Brien, Samantha and Luke Hughey, Mia and Colin Costa, and Kellan Gorman; his siblings: Susan Poirier and her late husband Rob, Stephen O’Brien and his wife Ruth, Maureen Leverone and her husband Richard, and Diane O’Brien.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 3:00-7:00pm at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington Street Norwood, MA.

Bill’s funeral will be held from the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, on Friday, May 16, at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Timothy Catholic Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood.

Interment will be in Highland Cemetery, Winter Street, Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bills’ memory may be made to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation directly: https://themmrf.org/