Obituary of Kenneth M. O'Brien, Sr.

Kenneth McDonald O’Brien Sr. 79 years of age, affectionately known as “Grandpa”. He was born on October 26, 1941, in St. James Barbados to Doreen Bailey and Charles O’Brien. He was one of three children.

In Barbados he attended St Johns Baptist boy’s school. His family decided to move from Barbados in 1960 to England. The family then had an opportunity to move to Brooklyn NY in 1962 where he graduated from the Boys and Girls high school. This is where he met his wife Molly O’Brien. Molly and Kenneth were married on October 24, 1964, at St Gregory’s Church in Brooklyn NY where they were married for 56 years and had three beautiful children.

Grandpa worked at Adams Brush company for two years in Brooklyn NY. He started his new career at Chemical Bank in 1969. He continued his career at Chemical for 34 years and then retired on June 27^th, 2003.

Grandpa’s hobbies were partying, fishing, gardening, cooking, and playing cricket with family and friends. One of his favorite things to do was fishing. He has traveled across the ocean to catch different fish like porgies, blues and sea bass. His favorite catch was blues. It was not an easy catch, but he enjoyed the challenge. Kenneth taught his children and grandchildren how to fish, so they could enjoy it together. His hobbies at home were gardening and cooking. Grandpa kept a beautiful garden where he planted all kinds of vegetables and herbs like cabbage, green peppers, tomatoes, thyme, parsley to name a few. They were all amazing. He was so giving that he gave most of the fish and vegetables to family, friends, and neighbors. Grandpa loved to cook the fish he caught and vegetables he grew for his family. He was such a great cook that he taught his whole family so they can carry on the tradition.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother Carl O’Brien.

Grandpa is survived by his wife Molly O’Brien where they were married for 56 years, sister Nancy O’Brien, 3 children, Arlene O’Brien (David), Kenneth Mc O’Brien Jr (Charlene), Clyde O’Brien, 3 grandchildren, Kiylah O’Brien, Anonda O’Brien and Chaniay O’Brien, 1 nephew Kevin O’Brien and a host of extended family abroad.

Grandpa enjoyed vacationing back home in Barbados and at his wife’s home in Grenada. He was a loving caring, fun man that everybody loved. From partying with friends and family to playing games with his grandchildren. Grandpa was a man who loved his family and made sure that everyone and everything was always taken care of. Most of all he loved to laugh and spend time with his family. Kenneth had a great life. The lord blessed us with 79 wonderful years with Grandpa.  We appreciate all the time God let us spend with him before he took Grandpa home.

We will miss you dearly!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday September 30, 2021 afternoon from 12:00PM to 1:00PM at the COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE, BERLIN NJ 08009. Funeral service 1:00PM at the funeral home. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.

To join the family for the live webcast please click HERE.