Arcade O'Brien

Westminster - Arcade "Hawkeye" O'Brien, 96, of Westminster, formerly of Leominster and Lunenburg, died April 10, 2019, at home after an illness.   He was born October 12, 1922, in Moncton, NB, Canada, son of the late Thomas J. and Sarah (Cormier) O'Brien.  Arcade was a veteran of World War II serving in the US Army from 1942 - 1945, attaining the rank of PFC.  He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal.

He was a Quarter Century Club member at General Electric.  He played semi-pro football for Gardner Merchants, was an All Star Quarterback, was a semi-pro pitcher at Heywood Wakefield of Gardner and the Graniteers of Fitchburg.  "Hawkeye" was an avid 10 pin bowler, and also volunteered at St. Cecilia's Bingo.

He is survived by his special friend, Claudia Rocca of Westminster and her two sons Alex and Isiah, his special friend; Bonnie Hendron of Florida, a daughter; Susan P. Stangel of Fitchburg, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter; Patricia M. Cote, and a grandson, Daniel Cote, along with 7 brothers and 5 sisters.  Arcade was also predeceased by two  wives, Edith Mittola in 1989 with whom he had his two daughters, and Chang Yun Pu in 1998.

There are no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cecilia's Church, 168 Mechanic St., Leominster on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Leominster.

Wright-Roy Funeral Home, Inc., 109 West St., Leominster, is directing arrangements.  www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com

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