Obituary: John (Jack) Joseph O'Brien, M.D., 79

This obituary is courtesy of Hill Funeral Home.

John Joseph O'Brien M.D. (Jack), 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather and respected friend, of Longboat Key, Florida, and North Kingstown, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2013, closing his twinkling Irish eyes while in the arms of his loving wife. Jack was born In Cork, Ireland on July 14, 1933, to William and Agnes O'Brien.

Raised and educated in Ireland, he graduated from medical school at University College Cork. After graduation, he crossed the Atlantic to serve his internship at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, Mass. It was in Worcester that he met his beloved wife of 52 years, Maureen. Jack and Maureen moved from Worcester to Rhode Island in 1960, for his three-year residency in radiology at Rhode Island Hospital, where he was on staff for his entire career.

From 1966-1968, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy as Lt. Commander and was based out of Bethesda Naval Hospital. In 1968, he and Maureen moved back to Rhode Island to raise their four kids and to continue his career at the Rhode Island Hospital. Jack was one of the founding partners of what is now Rhode Island Medical Imaging, which has offices through-out the state. He was a proud member of the practice until his retirement in June of 1997. During his lifetime, Jack was a member of the R.I. Medical Society and the Radiological Society of North America. In 1981, he was awarded Fellowship by the American College of Radiology.

Following his retirement, Jack continued to pursue his passion for tennis. He actively played, competed and won several championships at the Longboat Key Club, Florida, as well as at Warwick Heights Tennis Club. In addition to playing tennis, he loved reading and spending time laughing and bantering with his family and friends. He was truly most happy and comfortable when his entire family was around him, which is how he spent his final weeks. Jack was predeceased by his brother Anthony O'Brien of Cork, Ireland. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, his four children, John, Kevin, Diana, her husband Marc and his youngest daughter Michelle, his grandchildren, John III and Katherine; as well as many dear friends.

Jack always had a contagious smile and laugh, was truly selfless, and will be missed by all. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich. Burial will be private. Calling hours are Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.