Charles G. O'Brien

NEW BRITAIN - Charles G. O'Brien, 88, of New Britain, loving husband of Lois (Porter) O'Brien for 62 years, passed away Sunday (February 15, 2015) at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain. Born in New Britain to the late John and the late Irene (Georgi) O'Brien, he graduated from New Britain High School in 1944, served in the Army Air Force in WWII, received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1950 from Teachers College of Connecticut (CCSU), his Master of Education degree from Hillyer College, and continued his graduate studies at Fairfield University. In 1950 he began his teaching career at Smith School, was appointed principal at Holmes School in 1956 at the age of 29, became principal of Diloreto School in 1963, and was assigned to Gaffney School until he retired in 1988 after 38 years of dedicated service to education. Upon hiss retirement he remarked "Remember me as a man who enjoyed my profession and every working day. Remember me as truly and sincerely loving the children." He served as President of the New Britain Federation of Teachers, and President of the New Britain Administrators. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Shelley O'Brien and her husband Jim Petersen, a son, Steven O'Brien and his partner Levi Peterson, three grandchildren, Liam and Chloe O'Brien, and Dylan Petersen, a sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Doug Driscoll, a daughter-in-law, Kelly Hayes, a nephew, and several nieces, and dear friends. He was predeceased by a son, Scott O'Brien, and a brother, Jack O'Brien. A memorial service will be held Friday (February 20, 2015) at 11am at Porter's Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway in Kensington, The Rev. Kendrick Norris officiating. Burial in Center Cemetery, Newington, will be at the convenience of the family. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday (February 20, 2015) from 10-11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, the Hospital for Special Care, 2150 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053.