Wrentham Police Mourn Detective

WRENTHAM, MA — Wrenthan police are mourning the death of a local police detective. Joseph O'Brien, of Needham, died Sunday at the age of 62. O'Brien, a Needham police detective, was a member of a regional drug task force that includes Wrentham.

"Joe spent many years fighting the war on drugs, protecting residents in all towns including Wrentham," Wrentham police said in a statement. "His dedication to the job certainly made all of our streets safer and protected our youth."

Obituary: Joseph O'Brien, 62, of Needham

Detective Joseph G. O'Brien, 62, Needham Police Dept. (retired), Needham native and Holliston resident, died peacefully at home Sunday, December 18th, after a courageous six-month battle with cancer. His wife, Beth (Nickerson) O'Brien, was by his side.

He was born in Boston and was a long time Needham resident, and served as a detective on the Needham Police Department for 34 years. During his career in law enforcement, Joe also served on the NORPAC anti-crime drug task force, was a staff instructor for the Norwood Police Academy, was a member of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council Special Weapons and Tactics Team, and served on numerous other local and regional task forces.

During his career, Joe was recognized with many awards and commendations. The most notable awards include: the National Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) National Law Enforcement Award; the Department of Massachusetts VFW Law Enforcement Gold Award; a Commendation for Valor for Acts of Outstanding Personal Bravery; the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council Award presented for outstanding efforts in the Teardrop Bank Robbery case; the Outstanding Investigative Award for his actions with Metro-LEC Bank Robbery Task Force; and most recently, the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, an Appreciation Award for Joe's dedication and investigative efforts.

Upon retirement, Joe found a second career as Assistant Harbormaster for the town of Duxbury. Joe's love of the ocean and dedication to public service made him a perfect match for this position.

Joe loved spending time with his family and friends, was an avid Red Sox and Bruins fan, and found the most pleasure out of the simple things in life- whether it was a trip to the beach or relaxing in his backyard with his wife and three beloved Labrador Retrievers.

Son of the late James B. and Sally V. (Torpie) O'Brien. Devoted husband of Beth M. (Nickerson) O'Brien. Survived by his three children: Joseph G. O'Brien Jr. and his wife Amy, of Dedham; Kelly J. Fritts and her husband Chris, of Medway; and Thomas E. O'Brien and his wife Lindsey, of Needham. Devoted grandfather to five grandsons and five granddaughters. Brother to James O'Brien (Barbara), of Dover; William O'Brien (Annette), of Centerville; and Mark O'Brien, of Natick. Beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours Wednesday, December 21st 4:00-8:00pm at the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service Thursday, December 22nd 11:00am at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Ave, Needham, followed by burial at Needham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Joe, to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift.

Photo: Joseph O'Brien. (Credit: Needham police)