John Smart O'Brien

John Smart O’Brien of Myrtle Beach, SC, formerly of Manchester, CT passed into heavenly glory on Dec 27th, 2025.  He was born in Bronx, NY to the late John M and Mary Alice O’Brien, the 6th of 8 children.

John was a US Navy veteran, having served as a nuclear powerplant operator on USS Ethan Allen (SSBN 608) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN 600) from 1965 to 1970. After his time in the navy, he worked as a master electrician for the Union Carbide company, Connecticut National Bank, and other facilities, in addition to teaching electrical courses and managing his own private electrical contracting business.  He also volunteered with the 8th Utilities District of Manchester, CT as a firefighter, EMT and Assistant Fire Marshal.

John was an avid amateur historian and lifelong learner. He participated in Civil War reenacting as an artillerist, acquiring his own bronze cannon and loved entertaining and educating spectators.  He enjoyed sailing, target shooting, and tinkering in his garage.  He was well-known as a problem-solver and could be relied upon to find creative solutions or build unique contraptions with his outside-the-box thinking. More importantly, John sought after God with all his heart, mind, and strength, and came to the knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He spent hours upon hours reading, memorizing, and delving into the Scriptures and encouraging others to do the same. John is remembered as an intelligent, humorous and caring man. His mind was sharp, his smile infectious, and his generosity endearing. His kindness, wit, advice and storytelling will be dearly missed.

John married his sweetheart Carole in 1968 and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. He was a loving and attentive father to Susannah Blouin, Alexandra Garofalo and Joshua O’Brien, sons-in-law Robert Blouin and Joseph Garofalo, and grandfather to Ryley (Sarah), Savannah, and Iain Blouin, and to Sophia and Aidan Garofalo.  John was predeceased by his siblings Mary Alice O’Brien and Eileen Balger.  He is survived by his siblings Rosaleen O’Halloran, Dr. Mark O’Brien (and Dr. Kathryn O’Connor), Jude Hayes, Neil (and Joanne) O’Brien, and Matie O’Brien, and very numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

 

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