Obituary of Neal R. O'Brien, Jr.

Neal R. O’Brien, Jr., 33 PEABODY – Neal R. O’Brien, Jr., 33, beloved by many and an inspiration for the “Love is Magic” Foundation, died peacefully early Sunday morning, October 14, 2018 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, while in the comforting presence of his family. Born in Melrose, he was the beloved son of Neal R. O’Brien, Sr. and Nancy (Lang) O’Brien. He grew up in Peabody, attending St. John’s School, Cotting School in Lexington, and graduated from the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. He will miss his friends at Shore Collaborative in Peabody. Neal and his family loved attending Camp Sunshine in Casco, ME. He was a member of Team Hoyt New England in which his sister, Maura, would push him at Team Hoyt races. In his younger days he played in the Peabody Challenger Baseball League, participated in Special Olympics and horseback riding. Neal loved the color Red and therefore his favorite team was the Boston Red Sox. His family is grateful for the life he lived and the blessings and gifts shared as he made a difference, and touched many during his short life. He is survived by his parents Neal and Nancy O’Brien of Peabody, a sister Maura O’Brien, his Godparents Joseph O’Brien and Janet Liston, as well as many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his loving grandparents, Joseph and Kathleen O’Brien, Gerard and Joan Lang. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a visitation on Thursday from 4 – 8 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. All may gather on Friday at 9 AM from the funeral home, followed by a Mass Celebrating Neal’s Life at 11 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Memorial donations may be made to the Love is Magic Foundation, www.loveismagic.org .