William D. O'Brien

William D. O’Brien, 85, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, at the Hospice Residence of Jefferson County, located at the Ellis Farm.

Born on January 28, 1940, William was the son of the late John J. and Mary (Purce) O'Brien. He graduated from high school in Providence, Rhode Island.  He entered the US Army on November 15, 1960. While stationed at Camp Drum he met the love of his life, Katherine "Kay" Lortie. The couple married on December 10, 1961, in Rhode Island and resided throughout the United States during William’s military service.

After his honorable discharge in 1966, William and his wife made their home in Rhode Island before eventually settling in Watertown, NY. There, William worked for Seaway Motor Express, he was co-owner of the Elbow Room in Watertown and retired from Fort Drum where he was a mechanic for many years.  He was a faithful member of Holy Family Church. Through the years, he enjoyed golfing, fishing and cooking for friends and family. He also enjoyed sports, especially watching his children and grandchildren. He was a loyal Notre Dame fan and Red Sox fan.

William is survived by his daughter, Mary K. O'Brien, Watertown, NY; two sons Dennis O'Brien, Dexter, NY and Joseph O’Brien Watertown, NY; two daughters-in-law, Colleen O’Brien and Paige O’Brien; and nine beloved grandchildren: Patrick, Sean, Gabby, Lelan, Conor, Bethany,  Aiden, Halle, and Emily and a brother and sister in law, James and Barbara O'Brien, Massachusetts; nieces, nephews, cousins and his faithful cat, Toby.

In addition to his parents, William was predeceased by his cherished wife, Katherine "Kay" O’Brien and two his sons, Terry and John O’Brien, a sister Mary O'Brien and a brother, Michael O'Brien and a nephew, Bob Norberg.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Church in Watertown. Burial with miltary honors will follow in Glenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in William’s memory may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or to the Terry O'Brien Scholarship at IHC c/o NNY Community Foundation 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. .

Online condolences may be shared at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

A special thank you to Hospice, Dr. Kellogg and Dr Stillerman's offices and his neighbors Bili-Jo and Micky and their family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.